In the waters around the world, hidden from view, military vessels, whose exact position is sometimes kept secret at the highest level, patrol and sail everywhere in the greatest possible silence. But in terms of sizes, which ones stand out for their size? So let's find out which are the largest nuclear submarines today among the major armies of the world.
But of course, as is often the case, it's not the size that matters.
The class Ohio at the top of the list
In the category of the largest submarines in the world, the United States is first today. Indeed, with their class submarines Ohio are quite simply the largest nuclear submarines in the world still in operation at 170 meters in length.
And in waters around the world, these giants of the deep cannot be counted on the fingers of two hands, since it would take two more to realize their quantity. In fact, the US Navy can count on 18 submarines of the class Ohio currently in service. Put end to end, this is equivalent to 3 kilometers of submarines.
But they will soon be replaced. It has now been more than 40 years since the Ohio was put in the water. And it's with class Columbia that the United States will continue to dominate the Ocean. This, which should replace the aging class Ohioshould see the advent of slightly larger buildings since they should be 171 meters long by 2030.
The Triumphant the great pride of French submarines
If the French Army is not the one with the most soldiers, it is one of those which can count on some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world, on land, in the air and at sea. And precisely, in the blue of the Ocean, France can boast of having among the most formidable buildings in the world.
And when it comes to size, class The Triumphant There are playing cards in terms of size, even if in this article, it is the smallest that will be cited. With 138 meters and in service since 1997, The Triumphant is the largest class of nuclear submarines in the French Navy.
And as for class Ohio, this French class will soon be replaced. Indeed, in 2035, the first vessel known as the SNLE 3G (3rd generation nuclear ballistic missile submarine) will leave the Brest shipyards. This should be nearly 150 meters long.
The United Kingdom and class Vanguard
Like the previous ones, the United Kingdom also has a significant military arsenal allowing it to be a major power in Europe. For this, the country can count on its four class submarines Vanguard the first building of which was put into service in 1993.
And with 150 meters long, it is part of the class of the largest submarines present in Europe. Dominating the class The Triumphant twelve meters. As is customary, this class will also be replaced. By 2028, it's classy Dreadnought of 152.9 meters which will take over.
The largest submarine was Russian
But among all those we have cited today, none will ever reach the length of the class submarine TYPHOONTHE Dmitry Donskoy. Indeed, even if the building was withdrawn from service in February 2023, it will forever remain the largest nuclear submarine in history.
The Russian machine, which entered service in 1981, measured simply 175 meters long. The class which succeeds it, the class Boreiwhich entered service in 2013, is the same size as their American counterparts in Ohio.
We note that many of the gigantic devices that currently populate the Ocean were built and entered into service during a very specific period in History, that of the Cold War. The whole world was preparing for a potential nuclear war and everyone wanted to make their case against other countries.
Today, although the climate is no longer so cold, nuclear ballistic missile submarines are still used to maintain the state of nuclear deterrence which follows the Latin motto “Si vis pacem para bellum”, if you want peace, prepare for war.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
