Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:17:24-4:17:45

The difficulty of attacking a submarine below 1,000 metres

A very deep-diving submarine raises weapon-reach problems, prompting tentative suggestions of deeper charges or an attack before it reaches deep water.

Anti-Submarine WarfareDepth ChargesMike Class SubmarinesSubmarine Design
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Question

How could NATO counter the Soviet Mike submarine operating below 1,000 metres?

Short answer

Possible approaches were depth charges capable of reaching it or catching it in shallower water before it could dive deeply.

Notes

The Soviet Mike submarine's reported ability to operate below 1,000 metres would complicate an attack. Possible responses include depth charges able to reach that depth or an attack while the boat is still in shallower water. Both suggestions depend on circumstances and remain tentative. No demonstrated weapon or settled countermeasure against the submarine at maximum depth is identified.