by Kris Osborn, President, Warrior Russia’s Kilo-class and Yasen-class submarines are likely considered as a massive, high-tech threat by the Pentagon and China’s growing fleet of Jin-class ballistic missile submarines are acquiring much longer-range JL-3 nuclear missiles …. But that does not mean they are the best in the world? Does the US Navy still have global undersea superiority? While many details about foreign submarines are likely difficult to fully learn, the US Navy’s cutting edge Virginia-class attack submarines may be the best to ever exist. The submarines incorporate a series of paradigm-changing undersea technologies, computing and firepower [https://warriormaven.com/land/the-armys-new-xm7-assault-rifle-is-here-what-will-it-bring] which could very well place them in a class by themselves. This is particularly true when one considers innovations woven into Block III and forward Virginia-class submarines and massive firepower increases built into the Block V Virginia Payload Modules. The US Navy is now surging forward into a new generation of technologies with a contract for the next two Block V submarines in a deal potentially worth more than $ 12 billion, according to an announcement earlier this year from General Dynamics Electric Boat. [https://investorrelations.gd.com/news/press-release-details/2025/General-Dynamics-Electric-Boat-Awarded-12-Billion-Contract-Modification-for-Virginia-Class-Submarines/default.aspx] Surface ships and the drones or aircraft they operate could, in a variety of operational environments, be more “detectable” to enemy radar and sensors when compared to attack submarines. Given these and other variables, Virginia-class submarines are becoming increasingly critical to clandestine “intel” missions beneath the surface in high-risk areas. Specifics related to the enhancements to Virginia-class submarines, first built into a prototype Block III boat called the USS South Dakota [https://www.cnet.com/pictures/newest-us-navy-submarine-uss-south-dakota-meet-the-2-6-billion-nuclear-powered-ship/] almost 8-years ago and have since become operational, are likely not available for security reasons. However, in a broad or general sense, Senior Navy weapons developers did say the enhancements related to antennas [https://news.usni.org/2023/07/04/report-on-virginia-class-attack-submarine-program-12], coating material, and engine-quieting technologies. Virginia-class vs Kilo-class Submarines Block III Virginias also have a Large Aperture Bow advanced sonar and an automated, joy-stick-controlled computerized fly-by-wire navigation system. The Kilo-class is described as having some computer automation, yet it seems it would be quite significant to determine the extent to which it can truly rival cutting-edge Virginia-class submarines. This is of particular tactical significance because advanced Virginia-class submarines are increasingly being used for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) missions to survey high-risk areas such as enemy coastlines while remaining much less detectable than easy-to-see surface ships. Virginia-Class submarines are engineered with “Fly-by-Wire” capability which allows the ship to quietly linger in shallow waters without having to surface or have each small move controlled by a human operator. With this technology, a human operator will order depth and speed, allowing software to direct the movement of the planes and rudder to maintain course and depth. The ships can be driven primarily through software code and electronics, thus freeing up time and energy for an operator who does not need to manually control each small maneuver. Attack Submarines As “Intel” “Spy” submarines This technology, using upgradeable software and fast-growing AI applications, widens the mission envelope for the attack submarines by vastly expanding their ISR potential. Using real-time analytics and an instant ability [https://warriormaven.com/global-security/classic-world-war-ii-b-29-superfortress-impacts-air-war-strategy-today]to draw upon and organize vast databases of information and sensor input, computer algorithms can now perform a range of procedural functions historically performed by humans. This can increase the speed of maneuverability and an attack submarine's ability to quickly shift course, change speed or alter depth positioning when faced with attacks. [https://news.yahoo.com/us-abrams-tanks-may-delivered-125800029.html] “The most important feature for maneuvering in littoral waters is the fly-by-wire control system, whereby computers in the control center electronically adjust the submarine's control surfaces, a significant improvement from the hydraulic systems used in the Los Angeles-class,” a 2016 Stanford University “The Future of Nuclear Submarines” paper by Alexander Yachanin writes. The U.S. Navy’s 2018 “Commander’s Intent for the United States Submarine Force,” writes - “We are uniquely capable of, and often best employed in, stealthy, clandestine and independent operations……. we exploit the advantages of undersea concealment which allow us to: Conduct undetected operations such as strategic deterrent patrols, intelligence collection, Special Operations Forces support, non-provocative transits, and repositioning,” the Navy strategy document writes. Virginia-class subs are armed with Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes and other weapons able to perform a range of missions; these include anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, covert mine warfare, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), anti-surface/ship warfare and naval special warfare, something described as having the ability to carry and insert Special Operations Forces. Future Virginia-Class submarines provide improved littoral (coastal waters) capabilities, sensors, special operations force employment, and strike warfare capabilities. Kris Osborn [https://warriormaven.com/author/krisosborn] is the President of Warrior Maven – Center for Military Modernization. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. He also has a Master's Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University.
