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Old 10-23-19, 04:33 AM   #10
StrangeSignal
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Short answer, no. Not for global powers, at least.

Long answer: depends on what you need the submarine for. A nuclear powered submarine has a far greater operational range and speed than a regular diesel-electric submarine. If you need to make contact with an enemy task force the other side of the ocean as quickly as possible, a nuclear submarine will always be the definite choice. That's why you may see and hear reports of nuclear submarines of the US or the UK being detected as far away as the Indian Ocean, the South Atlantic, or the South China Sea.

The US still holds its naval presence throughout the oceans, and nuclear submarines are an intrinsic part of its operational needs and geopolitical influence. A diesel-electric submarine with a certain capacity could theoretically do this, but not maintain presence for a comparative period of time.

As for patrols and shorter operational ranges, the stealth of a diesel electric makes it a much better choice, since it's also cheaper to maintain - and generally smaller than the gargantuan US or russian subs; it's why they are the better choice for countries like Sweden, Germany, or Australia, that do not have a need to hold naval power overseas.

On a 1v1 scenario, however, a diesel electric sub with proper noise reduction protocols will almost always have the upper hand. But a nuclear submarine is a lot faster, and it stands a much better chance of getting away from an attack.

These incidents of foreign subs sinking carriers in exercises only highlights the need for 'merica to look for better detection measures.
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