Military submarines are some of the most secret weapons ever created. Many of their specifications are unknown, but we know enough things to rank the top 5 of their kind. Let's see the five most advanced ballistic missiles submarines in the world!
5. Delta IV class
The Russian class or Project 667 BDRM Delfin was started developed in 1975 and the first boat was started serving in 1985. In the next 5 years, there were 7 Delta IV submarines.
The boat has 1,200t more displacement than the Delta 3 previous submarines. They are also 12m longer. Today, the submarines carry the improved R-29RMU2.1 Layner missiles that have a range of 8,300km and have 12 warheads. Each boat carries 16 of them. Delta IV class is not as stealthy as its Wester competitors.
4. Borei class
Another Russian ones, class Borei or project 955 are the newest ballistic missiles submarines of the Russian Navy. The first started serving in 2012 and ultimately, they will replace Delta III class, Delta IV and the Typhoon submarines.
It's hard to detect submarines with sonars. The boats are equipped with the Bulava or SS-N-32 missiles. The missile has 9,500km range and carries 6 warheads. It can also carry 10 warheads, but with a reduction at range (4,000km). The missiles can overpass enemy air defenses.
3. Le Trimphant class
The French class started serving the French Navy in 1997, and it total, four boats were built.
Each of these carriers 16 M51 ballistic missiles with intercontinental capabilities. Its range reaches 8,000km at full load and 10,000km with reduced load. With that range, the missile can hit targets in China, Russia, and the USA. Each missile is equipped with 6 or 10 warheads. Today, the newer, M51.3 version is under development and will be launched in 2025.
2. Vanguard class
Vanguard submarines are the best of their kind outside the US. They are also the bigger submarines of the history of the United Kingdom. The first boat started serving in 1993 and so far, 4 have been built.
The class carries 16 Trident II D5 missiles per ship. These missiles are being used from the Ohia class submarines, as their built by the US. Trident III D5 is better than the French M51. Each British missile carrier has 12 warheads. Today, the newer class of ballistic missile submarines, Dreadnaught, is being constructed in the UK and will be finished in 2028.
1. Ohio class
The ballistic missile submarines of the Ohio class were designed in the US in the early '70s. The first of the class started serving in 1981 and so far, 18 boats have been built.
Each of them is equipped with 24 ballistic missiles. These missiles are the Trident II, which are the most advanced worldwide. Their range reaches 7,800km with full warhead and 12,000km with reduced warhead. Each of them can carry 14 warheads, although the START I agreement reduced them to 8. In the USA, a new class of ballistic missiles submarines is under development with the name Columbia. The first boats of the class will be introduced to the fleet in 2031.
