Submarines are the least visible of all military assets. While this makes them highly secretive in nature, it also makes them highly valuable. They provide several different functions to navies, many of which affect other military operations.
Designed to be virtually undetectable, submarines are able to patrol the world's oceans - even in hostile territory. This allows them to:
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gather intelligence;
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undertake surveillance and carry out reconnaissance missions;
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monitor the air, land and sea (both above the surface and below); and
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act as force multipliers: forcing foreign military to launch several vessels in response to even the threat of a single submarine.
During times of war, submarines are crucial in controlling the seas. Submarines can:
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detect and destroy hostile submarines and surface ships;
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blockade foreign ports and restrict ocean transport;
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provide intelligence and underwater protection for surface ships, and are able to detect and lay mines more efficiently than any other navy vessel;
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provide a means to land special forces in hostile regions; and
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if fitted with suitable weapons, are able to strike land targets.
While most commonly known for the role they play in navies, submarines are also used for a variety of functions in the private sector.
The most common are scientific submarines, which explore the world's oceans to further research and to locate sunken ships. Submarines can also be used for tourism, while unmanned submarines (which are very small and operated remotely from the surface) are used to perform work which is too deep or too dangerous for divers, such as on an oil rig.
Submarine Capability
This video examines the Collins Class submarines' operational capabilities in performing multiple roles.
View video [1.52MB]
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