SSN and SSBN submarines are nuclear powered attack submarines capable of carrying missiles. Two people operate the SSN. The SSN uses torpedoes as well as other missiles in order to attack enemy ships or submarines. In addition, the SSN can be used for intelligence gathering and classified operations.
The SSN can be used both to attack enemy vessels from a distance and also to conduct surveillance or other types of missions. The SSN HMS Conqueror, for example, sank an Argentine-built cruiser during the Falkland War and kept the Argentine fleet at port. It provided crucial intelligence to the Soviet Navy. In a similar fashion, the RN SSN Fleet tracked the Soviet SSBN Navy fleet. In 2008, the RN had seven active SSNs. However, there are currently only eight active SSBNs. This leaves the RN fleet in a dangerous situation.
Since 2008 when Swiftsure Class submarines were decommissioned from service, the RN SSN fleet fell to half. The new submarines, the Astute class and the Trafalgar class, developed from the Swiftsure class. They replace the November class with conventional torpedoes, a longer hull and conventional torpedoes. They were later converted to an anti-aircraft-carrier role.
The Navy is in dire need of submarines to combat Chinese patrols in Indian Ocean. From 2030, the navy will build six new SSK submarines each three years. These submarines will come equipped with the Brahmos hypersonic missile cruiser. These submarines will also be able to hunt UUVs in the enemy fleet. The Navy also plans to integrate the VLS-launched submarine version of the Akash and Barak-8 SAMs.
The SSBN has been designed to avoid detection from surface ships and is capable of long-range missile attacks. It can survive underwater for more than half a decade. It is a large, powerful vessel that has an advanced refueling system as well as large weapons stores. It has an advanced propulsion system. The SSBN can carry cruise missiles and other weapons. SSBN submarines are often referred to as "killer" submarines.
The Victor Class, a large SSN submarine in the Soviet Navy, was one of the first designs to appear in 1968. These submarines could travel underwater at speeds up to 30 knees thanks to their silent propulsion system. These submarines were equipped with weaker sensors than NATO subs. They also had greater depth capabilities. They could have been very successful in the Norwegian Sea. They would have to approach at high speeds to avoid being detected by surface patrols. They would have caused a lot of confusion, and some escorting vessels wouldn't have been able to respond.
The new SSNs need to be smaller, cheaper, and more capable. A Navy technology upgrade should also be considered for small-block building. This will make it easier to build SSNs with greater capabilities and lower costs. This is especially true if MSR technology can be successfully integrated by the Navy. MSRs are safer, more efficient, and less costly than PWRs.