Nations such as India and China are investing in submarine fleets, while major naval powers like France, the UK, and the US are procuring next-generation ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). The US and France are also investing in nuclear-powered attack submarines, and Australia is set to join the restricted club of countries operating such submarines through the AUKUS program. Against this backdrop, the global submarine market is set to grow from a value of $30 billion in 2023 to $45.6 billion in 2033, forecasts GlobalData, a data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, Global Submarine Market 2023-2033,” reveals that the procurement of submarines with multi-mission capabilities and the ability to deploy underwater drones from submarines acting as mother-ships are some of the major factors expected to drive the design and development of next-generation submarines over the forecast period. Furthermore, due to the growing use of artificial intelligence and advanced sensors in anti-submarine warfare, the need for more stealthier and technologically advanced submarines has increased significantly.
Aamir Chowdry, Aerospace and Defense Associate Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The growing emphasis on enhancing deterrence capabilities has compelled countries to design submarines which incorporate advanced acoustic reduction technology and multiple independently-targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) equipped ballistic missiles. Due to their high-survivability and endurance, submarines are more ideal for performing deterrence roles as compared to airborne and land-based platforms.”
However, due to high cost of acquisition, lack of technical expertise, and stringent export control regulations, several countries are procuring advanced AIP equipped conventional submarines to augment their undersea warfare capabilities. These submarines are capable of operating submerged for extended periods and are equipped with specialised weapons, sensors, which enable them to conduct land attacks, undertake ISR missions, and support special forces operations.
Chowdry concludes: “Even though the US, Russia, and China are likely to remain the dominant players in the global submarine market, other countries such as India and Australia are also investing in advanced submarine capabilities. As the submarine market continues to evolve and expand, it is likely to have significant implications on global security, particularly for performing roles such as naval deterrence, securing sea lanes of communication (SLOC), and littoral operations.”
Brazil is also building a SSN, the “Álvaro Alberto”. It was laid down in 2018 and is building very slowly due to launch in 2029 and to be commission around 2033/34.
My understanding is Brazil is building theirs with French support and based on French technology and is not based on the Suffren class but is an enlarged Scorpene class SSK which Brazil has also been building under license.
I wonder if anyone from the ADF has looked into what the Brazilians have been doing to so if there are any lessons worth learning.
Thanks Tim – I wasn’t aware of the finer details of the design for Brazil. I think the sedate pace of the build is related to the technology transfer program, which is a difficult thing to rush. Sadly, it is extremely unlikely that anyone from the ADF would have bothered to look at what is going on. If it isn’t happening in the US they don’t take much interest.
Hi Tim
You are correct on all counts>
Even “Álvaro Alberto’s” reactor appears related to the reactors used in France’s outgoing Rubis-class SSNs.
Yes “the ADF has looked [for many years] into what the Brazilians have been doing to so if there are any lessons worth learning.”
Regards Pete
Hi Tim
You are correct on all counts>
Even “Álvaro Alberto’s” reactor appears related to the reactors used in France’s outgoing Rubis-class SSNs.
Yes “the ADF has looked [for many years] into what the Brazilians have been doing to see if there are any lessons worth learning.”
Regards Pete