DOD and UK MoD Up Investment in Submarine Programs

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It has been many years since the seas were used as the main theater in any conflict. However, modern day threats and the need for surveillance and intelligence mean that it is still essential for forces to maintain a power in the waters.

The UK's Ministry of Defense (MoD) and the United States Department of Defense (DOD) have been investing heavily in new submarine technology, with both departments procuring six high class submarines to date for their respective Navyoperations.

NATO also continues to ensure that it is up-to-date with the latest anti-submarine warfare (ASW) techniques through its yearly Noble Manta exercises, which it claims allows nations to "maintain proficiency and improve interoperability in coordinated anti-submarine, anti-surface and coastal surveillance operations.

Forces from Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Turkey, the UK, and the United States participated in the navy defenseexercise this year, which took place in Ionian Sea to the south east of Sicily.

Rear Admiral John M Richardson, Commander Submarines Allied Naval Forces South, said: "While its overall general aims remain constant, every year focus is put on specific aspects of ASW. This year Noble Manta will particularly concentrate on coordinated ASW and NATO Response Force-related tasks and missions."

Virginia Class Submarines

While the UK has been investing in Astute Class submarines, the United States DOD has taken delivery of six Virginia class attack submarines for its Navy.

The $8.7 billion contract for the Virginia class submarine vessels was awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., in partnership with Northrop Grumman's Newport News Shipbuilding, in 2003, with the intention of all six submarines being delivered by 2007.

USS New Mexico was the final of the Virginia class submarine vessels to be delivered and was commissioned in March 2010 at Naval Station Norfolk.

The 377 foot long submarine can dive to depths of more than 800 feet and will not require refuelling during its planned life, in which it will be used for navy defense missions.

According to the DOD, the USS New Mexico "is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; battle group support; and mine warfare missions."

UK Invests in Submarines for Royal Navy

Earlier this year, the UK government gave BAE Submarine Solutions instructions to begin building the British Navy's fifth Astute class submarine, the most advanced attack submarines ever ordered by the Royal Navy.

The 7,400 tonne vessels are replacing the Trafalgar and Swiftsure class submarines and require fewer members of staff to operate. The Astute class vessels come equipped with decoys, electric support measures, Tomahawk Block V cruise missiles and I band navigation radars.

Procurement of the sixth Astute class submarine is already underway, with a seventh and final vessel expected to be requested by the Navy in the future. The combined cost of this procurement process and the construction of the fifth submarine vessel is expected to cost in the region of £300 million.

Work on the submarines is being undertaken at the BAE Systems plant in Barrow-on-Furness, UK.

Announcing the continuation of the programme in March, former UK Secretary of State for Defense Bob Ainsworth said: "Since the same industrial skills, experience and capability are necessary to deliver the successor deterrent submarine program, this investment will play a part in ensuring a smooth transition from the Astute program to the successor deterrent."

In May, the first Astute class submarine completed deep dive and full power trails in May, the details of which are classified. Members of the crew also undertook safety training with the Flag Officer Sea Training submarine experts.

Both tests were said to have been successful and the vessel returned to port in Faslane, awaiting its continuation with further sea trials.

Contributor: IDGA Editorial Staff

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