Why neither century belongs to submarines alone

A simple 'submarine century' narrative fails because stealth always demands trade-offs against speed, weapons, endurance, and the need to reveal a boat to attack. Rules of engagement can further restrict a submarine, as Conqueror had to evade Belgrano's escorts rather than attack every threat. Aircraft, helicopters, escorts, and uncrewed systems continue to complicate the balance between hunter and prey. The closing prediction is that satellite observation and computer models will flag ocean anomalies in near real time, making submarines more dependent on task-group strategy and indirect approaches than on independent ambush.