Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:26:08-1:28:40

How ballistic-missile submarines retain targeting independence

Ballistic-missile submarines combine preplanned targets, internal guidance and celestial fixes, and command arrangements designed to survive the loss of satellites and communications.

Ballistic Missile SubmarinesCommand And ControlNavigationNuclear DeterrenceTrident Missile
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Question

How do submarines obtain offboard targeting data for long-range missiles?

Short answer

Satellites can deliver offboard targeting data, while strategic ballistic-missile submarines also use preplanned targets and independent guidance to survive the loss of external systems.

Notes

Offboard targeting data can reach a submarine through satellite communications before a missile launch. Strategic ballistic-missile submarines also carry preplanned target sets and must remain able to retaliate after external communications or satellites fail. Their missiles use internal guidance, with celestial fixes contributing to the independent navigation described here. Britain's command arrangements place exceptional responsibility on the submarine's commanding officer. Selection for that responsibility extends beyond the Perisher course required for submarine command, although the technical and command details are deliberately left unexplained.