New Submarines Compared: Columbia Class, Dreadnought Class And SNLE-3G

Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs) form the backbone of nuclear deterrents. Yet the types in service with NATO navies, the U.S., U.K., and France, are reaching the ends of their service lives. The new submarines which are being built to succeed them should keep the deterrent dependable in an uncertain future. While Russia is already pumping out its latest Borei-II class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), the equivalent boats in service with the US Navy and Royal Navy are towards the end of their lives. And France’s too, while more recent, will also need replacement in the coming years. So Western navies…