The Royal Navy should prioritise submarines
The Memorandum | No. 07.2024
Buffeted by the shifting tides of global power and navigating through the shadowy depths of modern warfare, the Royal Navy stands at a crucial juncture. Prioritising submarines is no longer a strategic option but an imperative. As geopolitical tensions rise and the nature of conflict evolves, these silent sentinels of the sea offer unparalleled stealth, deterrence, and versatility, helping the United Kingdom (UK) to maintain maritime dominance. Embracing a submarine-centric strategy would ensure that the Royal Navy can outmanoeuvre adversaries, safeguard national interests, and project power with unmatched subtlety and precision.
Ballistic submarines are integral to national defence via strategic deterrence. Britain’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent (CASD) relies on Vanguard class submarines equipped with Trident ballistic missiles. These submarines ensure that the UK maintains a credible and invulnerable second-strike capability, deterring potential adversaries from contemplating a nuclear attack. The Royal Navy must ensure that its deterrence strategy remains robust. Investing in next-generation submarines such as the Dreadnought class is crucial for maintaining this deterrence well into the future.
Investing in a larger and more technologically advanced submarine fleet would enhance the Royal Navy’s operational flexibility and overall combat effectiveness.
Modern attack submarines are at the forefront of technological innovation in naval warfare. Advances in stealth technology, propulsion systems, sonar, and weaponry have made submarines more effective and harder to detect. The Royal Navy’s Astute class exemplify this trend, featuring advanced nuclear reactors, superior sonar capabilities, and a reduced acoustic signature. Further investment in submarine technology via the AUKUS partnership will ensure the Royal Navy retains a competitive edge in undersea warfare, a domain which is becoming increasingly contested. Submarines’ stealth and endurance allow them to perform a variety of missions that surface ships cannot, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
The ability to operate undetected in hostile waters provides the Royal Navy with critical strategic and tactical advantages. Expanding the submarine fleet would enhance Britain’s ability to gather intelligence, monitor potential adversaries, and project power over extensive distances.
Submarines are versatile platforms capable of performing multiple roles. Beyond strategic deterrence and undersea warfare, they can engage in conventional strike missions, using cruise missiles to target land-based threats from a distance. They also play a crucial role in protecting naval task forces, particularly aircraft carriers, from undersea threats.
In addition to offensive capabilities, submarines can lay mines and counter enemy mining efforts, securing vital sea lanes and chokepoints. Their ability to operate in diverse environments, from deep oceans to shallow coasts, makes them indispensable for both defensive and offensive operations. Investing in a larger and more technologically advanced submarine fleet would enhance the Royal Navy’s operational flexibility and overall combat effectiveness.
Investing in submarine procurement also yields significant economic and industrial benefits. The construction and maintenance of such vessels involve complex and high-tech industries, providing thousands of skilled jobs and supporting the UK’s defence industrial base. The submarine programme stimulates innovation and technological development, with spill-over effects benefiting other sectors of the economy. Sustained investment can drive regional economic growth, create high-value jobs, and maintain critical skills within the workforce. The multiplier effect of defence spending on submarines thus supports broader economic objectives and contributes to national prosperity.
The evolving nature of maritime threats underscores the need for continuous investment in sub-surface capabilities.
Furthermore, submarines enhance the UK’s influence and standing in international affairs. As a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and other international alliances, Britain contributes to collective security efforts. A capable submarine force strengthens the Royal Navy’s ability to lead multinational operations, bolster alliance cohesion, and deter common adversaries. Their deployment in international waters demonstrates London’s commitment to global security and its capability to project power far from home shores.
The evolving nature of maritime threats underscores the need for continuous investment in sub-surface capabilities. The proliferation of advanced anti-submarine warfare technologies and the increasing sophistication of adversary submarines require the Royal Navy to stay ahead of potential threats. Investing in research and development, as well as procuring next-generation submarines, is essential to countering these challenges effectively.
Emerging technologies such as unmanned underwater vehicles, cyber warfare capabilities, and artificial intelligence are transforming naval warfare. Submarines should integrate these technologies to maintain their strategic and tactical advantages. The development of autonomous underwater systems, for example, can enhance submarine operations, extend their reach, and improve situational awareness. By investing in cutting- edge technologies and modernising the submarine fleet, the Royal Navy can ensure it remains at the forefront of naval innovation and readiness.
The Royal Navy’s strategic future depends significantly on its submarine capabilities. In light of geopolitical uncertainties, technological advancements, and the need for versatile and effective maritime forces, increased investment in submarines is imperative. They provide unmatched strategic deterrence, advanced undersea warfare capabilities, and versatile operational roles, all of which are critical for maintaining national security and projecting power globally. By prioritising submarine investment, the Royal Navy will be better equipped to navigate the complex security landscape of the 21st century and uphold Britain’s national interests.
Dr Emma Salisbury is a Research Fellow in Sea Power at the Council on Geostrategy.
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How do we retain and expand the submarine workforce? This is surely going to be one of the major challenges before anything else if submarines are to be prioritised.
And yet it was reported earlier this week that the Royal Navy currently has no attack boats available for deployment.