World submarines: The key to a global defense strategy

Submarine ships are becoming an increasingly important element of the global geopolitical chessboard. This trend is confirmed by many news coming from various parts of the globe, in which countries announce their investment plans for strategic submarines.

The increasing tensions in the international arena and the rivalry between the powers affect the defence strategies of individual states, which increasingly decide to expand their submarine fleet.

Poland, primarily guided by the growing geopolitical tension, through the Minister of National Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak, announced the implementation of the Orka programme. Its main objective is to purchase modern submarines, which will serve as a key complement to the Polish fleet.

Brazil, in turn, ambitiously seeks to construct the first nuclear-powered submarine in the southern hemisphere. The country not only plans to build four conventional submarines, but has also established cooperation with other powers that exploit nuclear submarines – the USA, Russia, China, Great Britain and France to achieve this goal.

Romania, concerned about Russia's aggression into Ukraine, also intends to modernise its navy by purchasing new submarines. The country plans to purchase at least three Scorpene units from the French producer Naval Group.

Italy, on the other hand, has definitely invested in their submarine fleet. On 6 June, in the Italian shipyard Fincantieri in Muggiano (La Spezia), the construction of a second U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) submarine began. The Italian parliament has also approved the construction of a third submarine of the same type, indicating Italy's continued commitment to the expansion and modernisation of the submarine fleet.

India, they plan to enter into a strategic partnership with Thyssenkrupp AG and the Mazagon shipyard Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. As part of this cooperation, a new generation of submarines is to be created for the Indian Navy. The value of this project is estimated at $5.2 billion.

In parallel, the Netherlands has launched a tendering process for new submarines, involving Naval Group shipyards, Saab Kockums and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. The United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, as part of the AUKUS programme, are focusing on developing nuclear-powered submarines to curb China's international influence.

On 23 May, Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), part of Huntington Ingalls Industries, announced the signing of an annex to the framework agreement on the construction of two modern submarines of the Virginia Block V type. These U.S. nuclear-powered units have a wide application including combating submarines and submarines, attacking land targets and supporting special activities.

This is an important step for the US Navy and strengthening the position of Newport News Shipbuilding shipyard on the market. Construction of Virginia Block V units will contribute to strengthening the United States' defence capabilities and increasing security. This development shows how vital the modern defence strategy is to the submarines.

Given the unique capabilities of submarines, their difficulty in detecting and increasing use in intelligence operations and in securing infrastructure at the bottom of oceans, Russia's increasing activity in this area should be a cause for concern to all countries. Russian "spectre ships" are currently being observed on the seas of the world, and their aim is probably to map underwater infrastructure.

Regardless of the region, the trend towards the expansion of submarines is clear. In the face of the changing geopolitical situation in the world, each of these countries sees the need for a strong submarine fleet, capable of fulfilling a wide range of tasks, ranging from intelligence to combat. This trend will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the balance of power on the seas and oceans of the world.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz