Could compact submarines become part of future naval warfare?
Reduced dimensions platforms can be deployed to protect surface and submarine fleets. (Photo: Ocean Submarine)
Low-profile submarines can provide diverse advantages to navies including improved mobility and flexibility.
The growing proliferation of maritime threats could lead countries towards operating smaller-size submarines alongside traditional underwater and surface fleet as compact, low-profile platforms can provide several tactical and operational benefits, according to Australian manufacturer Ocean Submarine.
By operating with a smaller crew, this type of capability can improve protection for vessels, submarines and coastlines in addition to lowering logistics and maintenance footprint. Their reduced dimensions also provide enhanced versatility and manoeuvrability enabling its use of diverse mission types including surface, submarine and mine warfare, intelligence gathering and SOF.
While entire naval fleets can be easily targeted, the low-profile design of smaller-size submarines
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