Warfare, Submarine

Contemporary submarine warfare involves the varied missions of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); peacetime engagement; special operations; battle space preparation; precision strike; sea denial; sea control; support of land battle; and strategic deterrence. Contemporary submarine warfare involves the application of multimission submarines with strengths in stealth, endurance, and firepower. There has been a notable shift in submarine warfare from its origins of open-ocean antisurface warfare in World Wars I and II to strategic deterrence during the Cold War, and more recently to support land forces through the use of cruise missiles and deployment of Special Operations Forces (SOF). As mission requirements change in the future, undoubtedly submarine warfare will continue to transform as well. This entry details the types of submarines in use today, outlines ...