Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 6:15:50-6:17:26

Why nuclear submarines cannot replace the surface fleet

Submarines excel at denying the sea to an enemy, but they cannot visibly control it, escort surface commerce, or replace carriers and amphibious forces.

Amphibious WarfareConvoy EscortMerchant ShippingNuclear SubmarinesSea Control
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Question

Why did people believe nuclear submarines would replace surface combatants?

Short answer

They overextended the submarine's strength in sea denial and ignored the surface fleet's roles in escort, sea control, aviation, and amphibious operations.

Notes

Missiles and nuclear propulsion encouraged predictions that submarines would make all surface combatants obsolete. Sea denial should be distinguished from sea control: submarines are excellent predators but poor tools for protecting and using the surface. Merchant companies will not build submersible tankers merely to simplify wartime escort, so navies must still defend ordinary shipping. Amphibious operations, air power, presence, and convoy protection therefore preserve essential surface roles even in a submarine-heavy war.