Reply #39: Let examine your misconceptions

[hack89]

1. Nuclear subs are the easiest subs to detect - nuclear reactors require large and noisy cooling pumps constantly operating.

2. Submarines with AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) technology can stay down for weeks on end and are much more quieter than nukes. They are also smaller and more maneuverable.

3. The subs they are talking about are not missile shooters. The will be fast attack boats with torpedoes as their main weapons. Any missiles will be short range anti-ship missiles - and there won't be many of them so I doubt the US will be shivering.


An AIP sub costs a fraction of a nuke for nearly identical performance. From a military perspective, what is a better deterrence? One or two nukes or 5 or 6 modern AIP subs? If nothing else, you don't have all your eggs in one basket.


BTW - the US is replacing all their 1970's subs with modern ones. The French, on the other hand, are not known for their nuclear subs.