The nuclear submarine fleet plays a key role in the nuclear triad concept of the US and Russia. The submarines of these countries differ in design principle, number, and capabilities. This is written by military expert Brandon J. Weichert in an article for The National Interest.
Americans emphasize technological superiority and global power projection, while Russia focuses on potential asymmetric strikes and operations in the Arctic. However, the latest Russian submarines are very impressive in terms of technological potential.
According to Weichert, the US Navy has 71 nuclear submarines, while the Russian Navy has, according to various estimates, from 58 to 63 submarines (31-34 of them nuclear). The expert highlighted the following nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles (SSBNs) in service with the Russian Navy: Project 955 Borei, Project 667BDRM, Project 855 Yasen, Project 941 Akula, and Project 949 Antey.
The US nuclear submarine fleet surpasses the Russian one, but the modernization of their submarines is proceeding at a rapid pace. Entering into a conflict with the Kremlin at a time when other global crises require America's attention is a poor strategic decision.
The Russian Navy has never named the exact number of its submarines. This information is considered classified. At the same time, the Russian leadership is directing large funding to the construction of new submarines and the modernization of existing ones.
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