Submarine Weapons — Torpedoes, Missiles & Countermeasures

The primary weapon of US Navy submarines for over 50 years, continuously upgraded. The Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) version features advanced digital sonar that can distinguish targets from decoys and countermeasures. Capable of defeating any submarine or surface ship. Can operate in shallow or deep water, under ice, and in high-clutter environments.

One of the fastest torpedoes in service. The Spearfish uses a HAP/Otto fuel gas turbine engine, enabling burst speeds over 80 knots for short periods — fast enough to catch any submarine. The shaped-charge warhead can break the keel of a large surface warship. Spearfish Mod 1 upgrade adds new digital guidance, improved counter-countermeasures, and insensitive munitions warhead.

Leonardo's advanced export torpedo, used by several NATO and allied navies. Features a ASTRA active/passive sonar seeker with multiple homing modes including wake detection. The electric propulsion (lithium-polymer battery with permanent magnet motor) makes it extremely quiet. Designed for both deep-ocean and littoral environments.

France's newest heavyweight torpedo, replacing the aging F17 Mod 2. The F21 features an aluminium-silver oxide battery for high energy density, advanced signal processing to defeat countermeasures, and the ability to operate in extremely shallow water (down to 10m). Deployed on Suffren-class SSNs and Triomphant-class SSBNs.

Japan's primary submarine torpedo. The Type 89 uses an Otto-fuel powered axial piston engine. Its successor, the Type 18, features lithium-ion battery electric propulsion for reduced acoustic signature, advanced digital signal processing, and improved counter-countermeasure capability. Both are optimized for the shallow, acoustically complex waters around Japan.

The longest-range torpedo in the world. The SeaHake Mod 4 ER (Extended Range) uses a silver-zinc battery and permanent-magnet motor for extraordinary range exceeding 140 km. This allows the launching submarine to attack from far outside enemy detection range. Built by Atlas Elektronik (now part of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems).

The world's most combat-proven cruise missile. Tomahawk has been launched from submarines and ships in every major US military operation since 1991 — Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria. Block V adds maritime moving-target capability and a 1,000 lb penetrating warhead variant. The four Ohio-class SSGNs each carry 154 Tomahawks.

Russia's primary submarine-launched cruise missile, first used in combat from Kilo-class submarines in the Syrian Civil War (2015). The Kalibr family includes land-attack, anti-ship, and anti-submarine variants. The anti-ship version features a supersonic terminal sprint at Mach 2.9 to defeat close-in weapon systems. Widely exported.

The naval version of the SCALP/Storm Shadow missile, adapted for submarine torpedo tube launch. First used in combat by French Navy frigates in Syria (2018). The BROACH warhead uses a shaped-charge precursor to penetrate hardened targets followed by a main warhead detonation inside. Gives French submarines an independent deep-strike capability.

The most reliable and accurate SLBM ever built. Over 185 consecutive successful test launches. Each Ohio-class SSBN carries 20 Trident IIs; each Vanguard-class carries 16. A single Trident II can destroy multiple cities separated by hundreds of kilometers using independently targeted warheads. The backbone of US and UK nuclear deterrence through the 2040s.

Russia's newest SLBM, designed to replace the aging R-29 Sineva. Developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (which also designed the land-based Topol-M ICBM). The Bulava carries decoys and maneuvering warheads designed to penetrate US missile defense systems. It had a troubled development with multiple test failures but is now operational on Borei-class submarines.

The sea-based arm of France's Force de dissuasion (nuclear deterrent). The M51 is significantly more capable than its predecessor, the M45, with greater range, more warheads, and improved accuracy. The M51.3 version, planned for the 2030s, will carry the new TNO (Tete Nucleaire Oceanique) warhead with enhanced penetration aids.

The JL-2 (Julang-2, "Giant Wave") gives China its first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent, carried by Type 094 Jin-class SSBNs. However, its range is insufficient to target the continental US from Chinese home waters. The JL-3, under development for the Type 096 SSBN, will have intercontinental range to strike any target from patrol areas near China — a major shift in the nuclear balance.

What is the most powerful submarine weapon?

The Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is the most destructive weapon carried by any submarine. Each missile can carry up to 14 independently targetable nuclear warheads (MIRVs), each with a yield of 100-475 kilotons. A single Ohio-class SSBN carries 20 Trident missiles — enough to destroy 280 separate targets with a combined yield vastly exceeding every bomb dropped in WWII.

How far can a modern torpedo travel?

Modern heavyweight torpedoes have ranges of 40-50+ km. The US Mark 48 ADCAP has a range of approximately 38 km at 55 knots or further at reduced speed. The German DM2A4 can exceed 50 km. Lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes like the Mark 54 have shorter ranges (around 10 km) but are dropped from aircraft or helicopters closer to the target.

Can submarines launch cruise missiles while submerged?

Yes. Modern submarines routinely launch cruise missiles from submerged depth. The missile is ejected from the torpedo tube or vertical launch system (VLS), rises to the surface inside a protective capsule, then the rocket motor ignites and the missile flies to its target. The submarine remains hidden throughout the launch sequence. US submarines have launched Tomahawk missiles in combat since 1991.

What are submarine countermeasures?

Submarine countermeasures include acoustic decoys (noisemakers that mimic the submarine's sound signature), mobile decoys (self-propelled devices that simulate a submarine), bubble generators (which create sonar-confusing screens), and anti-torpedo torpedoes (like the German SeaSpider). Some submarines also carry electronic warfare systems and can deploy mines defensively.

How does a wire-guided torpedo work?

A wire-guided torpedo trails a thin fiber-optic or copper wire back to the launching submarine. The submarine's fire control system can update the torpedo's course, speed, and search pattern in real-time based on sonar data. This gives the torpedo far greater accuracy than a fire-and-forget weapon. If the wire breaks, the torpedo switches to autonomous homing using its own onboard sonar.

What is the difference between a torpedo and a cruise missile launched from a submarine?

Torpedoes travel underwater to hit ships and submarines, using propellers or pumpjets and homing sonar. They are relatively short-range (up to 50 km) but devastating against naval targets. Cruise missiles travel through the air to hit land targets or ships at ranges of 300-2,500 km, using jet engines and GPS/terrain guidance. Many submarines can launch both from the same torpedo tubes.