Ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) carry submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) which are large, long-range missiles armed with multiple nuclear warheads. The SSBNs' basic mission is to remain hidden at sea with their SLBMs, so as to deter a nuclear attack on the United States by another country. Navy SSBNs form one leg of the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent force, or 'triad,' which also includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and landbased long-range bombers. The Navy currently operates 14 Ohio (SSBN-726) class SSBNs, the first of which is projected to reach the end of its service life in 2027.
Navy SSBN(X) Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress. Updated October 28, 2010
2010
40 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch