Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:52:22-2:55:14

Modern submarines and covert insertion missions

Submarine special operations range from launching inflatables to carrying dedicated insertion craft, and their importance can remain hidden after better-known combat missions.

HMS ConquerorModern NavyNaval StrategyNavy SealsRoyal NavySpecial Boat ServiceSpecial OperationsSubmarinesUS NavyUSS Jimmy Carter
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Question

How do modern submarines compare with earlier submarines for intelligence insertion and extraction work?

Short answer

Modern submarines still carry out covert insertion and extraction, using specialist craft launched from fittings aft of the sail or inflatable boats for simpler operations.

Notes

Modern submarines frequently conduct covert insertion and extraction. British and American boats can carry a specialist housing aft of the sail for launching and recovering craft used by the Special Boat Service or SEALs. Other operations use an inflatable launched after the submarine surfaces. A recollection about HMS Conqueror's captain places the sinking of General Belgrano behind two missions he still could not discuss. USS Jimmy Carter is another submarine associated here with intelligence and special operations. Secrecy limits what a public combat record reveals about a submarine's work.