Articles tagged with "submarines"
South Korea pitches attack submarines that match 'five-star hotels'
South Korea is aggressively promoting its advanced attack submarines, described as "five-star hotels," to Canada in a bid to secure a multi-billion-dollar contract to replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging fleet. A high-level South Korean delegation, led by presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik, emphasized the submarines’ design focus on safety and comfort, likening them to luxury accommodations to ensure crew well-being even in emergencies. The proposed deal involves about 12 diesel-powered submarines valued at over USD 12 billion and includes major South Korean industrial players such as Hanwha, HD Hyundai, and Hyundai Motor Group. The initiative aims not only to supply cutting-edge naval technology but also to deepen defense-industrial cooperation between South Korea and Canada. The South Korean pitch highlights broader strategic ambitions to enter Western and NATO defense markets, framing the submarine project as a catalyst for long-term industrial partnership, job creation, and enhanced Arctic and undersea surveillance capabilities along Canada’s extensive coastline. The proposal competes
energymaterialsdefense-technologysubmarinesindustrial-cooperationmaritime-surveillancerare-earthsChina now operates world's 2nd-largest nuclear submarine fleet
China has surpassed Russia to become the world’s second-largest operator of nuclear-powered submarines, now fielding an estimated 32 active boats compared to Russia’s 25 to 28. Only the United States maintains a larger fleet, with about 71 nuclear submarines as of the end of 2025. China’s fleet includes a diverse mix of attack, guided-missile, and ballistic missile submarines, reflecting a maturing undersea force. Key components include nine Type 093/093A Shang-class attack submarines, approximately 16 Type 093B guided-missile submarines (the largest production run of nuclear strike subs globally), and nine Type 094/094A Jin-class ballistic missile submarines equipped with JL-2 and JL-3 missiles. China is also developing next-generation subs—Type 095 attack and Type 096 ballistic missile submarines—to enhance stealth and survivability. Russia, traditionally the second-largest nuclear submarine operator, now ranks third due to China’s
energynuclear-powersubmarinesmilitary-technologyChinadefensenaval-fleetBritain is preparing ocean-based support for its doomsday submarines
The United Kingdom is advancing plans to build floating dry docks at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland to support its fleet of nuclear missile submarines, particularly as it prepares to introduce the next-generation Dreadnought-class submarines. Known as Programme Euston, this initiative aims to alleviate maintenance capacity constraints by providing enhanced out-of-water support for the Royal Navy’s submarines, including the current Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines, Astute-class attack submarines, and the forthcoming Dreadnought class. The Ministry of Defence has entered the early development phase of the project, with a manufacturing contract to be awarded after finalizing technical specifications and completing procurement, though no timeline has been specified. The Dreadnought-class submarines, central to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, will displace about 17,200 metric tons, measure approximately 153.6 meters in length, and carry a crew of around 130 personnel. They will be equipped with 12 Trident II D5 ballistic
energynuclear-propulsionsubmarinesnaval-technologyfloating-dry-docksmilitary-technologyUK-defenseUS 10,200-ton nuclear submarine could soon dock at Australian ports
US nuclear-powered submarines, potentially capable of carrying nuclear weapons, are planned to begin rotating through Australian ports from 2027 under the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the US, and the UK. Defense officials revealed during a Senate hearing that these visits could occur without public or even full government knowledge, due to the US policy of “strategic ambiguity” which neither confirms nor denies the presence of nuclear weapons on its vessels. This stance challenges Australian laws prohibiting nuclear weapons on its territory and contradicts earlier government assurances that only conventionally armed submarines would visit. The development has sparked renewed debate over Australia’s commitments under nuclear nonproliferation treaties, including the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga), which bans stationing nuclear weapons but, according to defense officials, does not forbid visits by foreign platforms that might carry them. Complicating matters is the US’s advancement of a new nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM
energynuclear-energysubmarinesAUKUSnuclear-nonproliferationdefense-technologymilitary-materialsHow Japan's submarines could limit China's naval power in a Taiwan conflict
The article discusses the strategic role Japan’s submarine fleet could play in countering China’s numerically superior navy in a potential conflict over Taiwan. While China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is currently the world’s largest by number, with around 370 ships and an expected increase to 395 by 2025 and 435 by 2030, Japan’s submarine fleet is much smaller, comprising 24 conventionally powered submarines. Despite this, Japan’s submarines are technologically advanced, featuring Air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems that allow extended submerged operations and enhanced stealth, as well as lithium-ion batteries in newer classes like the Taigei-class, which improve underwater endurance and power. These subs are equipped with advanced sonar, torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles, making them formidable assets despite their smaller numbers. Geography further amplifies Japan’s strategic advantage. The island nation’s proximity to key maritime chokepoints such as the Miyako Strait between Okinawa and Miy
robotenergymaterialslithium-ion-batteriessubmarinesair-independent-propulsionnaval-technologyAUKUS submarines could switch to nickel-zinc batteries for more power
Australian battery manufacturer PMB Defense Engineering has signed a contract with UK-based BAE Systems to explore integrating PMB’s nickel-zinc battery technology into the new nuclear-powered SSN-AUKUS submarines being jointly developed by the UK, Australia, and the US under the AUKUS security partnership. This follows PMB’s six-year collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defense and the Submarine Delivery Agency to qualify nickel-zinc batteries as a replacement for traditional lead-acid systems on Astute-class submarines. The nickel-zinc batteries offer about twice the energy capacity of lead-acid batteries, providing greater energy density, reliability, and lower maintenance—key advantages for the long-endurance and stealth missions of nuclear submarines. The contract, valued at over A$34 million (approximately USD 22 million), is expected to boost Australian defense industry participation and create new jobs in South Australia, with PMB already expanding its workforce. The SSN-AUKUS submarines will incorporate technology from all three
energybatteriesnickel-zinc-technologysubmarinesdefense-technologynuclear-powered-submarinesenergy-storageTrump deploys two nuclear submarines following 'provocations' from Russia
Following provocative statements by former Russian president and current deputy chairman of Russia’s security council Dmitry Medvedev regarding Moscow’s nuclear capabilities, US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of two Ohio Class nuclear submarines to critical regions as a precautionary measure. Trump emphasized that this move was defensive, aimed at protecting American interests rather than escalating aggression. The submarines, each capable of carrying up to 24 Trident II D5 missiles with a range of 4,600 miles, represent a significant show of force in response to Medvedev’s aggressive rhetoric, including references to the Cold War-era “Dead Hand” automatic nuclear retaliation system. Trump also addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, blaming former President Joe Biden for the war’s outbreak and expressing frustration with Russia’s lack of compliance with his imposed ceasefire deadline. Despite Putin’s stated openness to peace talks, the conflict’s momentum remains in Russia’s favor, and no ceasefire has been agreed upon. Trump has shortened his deadline for Russia to
energynuclear-energysubmarinesmilitary-technologynuclear-weaponsdefense-systemsstrategic-deterrenceRussia to use submarines with nuclear reactors to supply gas via Arctic
Russia is developing nuclear-powered submarines equipped with three Rhythm-200 nuclear reactors to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in the Arctic. These submarines, designed by the Kurchatov Institute, aim to reduce transit times from 20 to 12 days by traveling at speeds of about 17 knots beneath the ice, enabling year-round gas transportation from Arctic terminals. The project is seen as a potential alternative to traditional surface LNG carriers and pipelines, with Russian officials and President Vladimir Putin endorsing its feasibility and efficiency. Despite the ambitious plans, analysts express skepticism about Russia's ability to deliver the submarines due to capacity constraints in nuclear submarine design and the impact of Western sanctions on investment and infrastructure development along the NSR. Significant upgrades to Arctic ports and related facilities are necessary for the route to become competitive. The Russian government plans to increase the Arctic Basin's port capacity by over 34 million tons by 2030, reflecting a broader
energynuclear-reactorsLNG-transportationArctic-shippingsubmarinesNorthern-Sea-Routemaritime-energy-transport