US Vs Russia Submarine Strength: As Trump Positions Nuclear Subs, Who Truly Dominates the Deep Seas?
As Donald Trump commands the deployment of US nuclear submarines, it’s time to closely examine the growing underwater rivalry between the United States and Russia — from fleet numbers to nuclear deterrence and strategic positioning.
A Cold War-like tension resurfaced this week when former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev responded to Trump’s economic jibes with a nuclear-tinged warning referencing the Soviet-era “Dead Hand” system — a semi-automated protocol designed to initiate retaliatory strikes even if Russia’s leadership were annihilated. Just hours later, Trump ordered the relocation of two US nuclear submarines to unspecified “suitable areas”, prompting strong reactions from Russian parliamentarians.
Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky claimed that Russia already had more nuclear submarines operating in global waters than the United States and alleged that US submarines had long been “under Russian surveillance.”
With undersea fleets once again taking centre stage in global geopolitics, here’s how the US and Russia measure up in submarine capabilities and strength.
Fleet Strength: America Leads, But Russia Is Close Behind
Although figures differ slightly by source, most recent assessments indicate a slight edge for the US. As per GlobalFirePower’s 2025 data (quoted by 1945), the US Navy maintains about 70 submarines, while Russia operates roughly 63–64. Newsweek, citing the Nuclear Threat Initiative, reported 64 subs for the US and 58 for Russia as of 2023.
The difference may appear marginal, but the true balance of power lies in how, where, and with what capability these submarines are utilised.
The US Navy operates its submarines across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and routinely takes part in intelligence missions, anti-submarine warfare, and multilateral agreements like AUKUS.
Russia, on the other hand, largely focuses its deployments in the Arctic, North Atlantic, and the Pacific regions. In recent years, Russian subs have also been detected near NATO shores and even close to the US coastline — manoeuvres analysts liken to Cold War-era strategies.
Nuclear Deterrent Strength: Who Holds the Upper Hand?
Both countries heavily rely on ballistic missile submarines for nuclear deterrence. These “boomers” are not designed for speed or confrontation but for stealth — to remain hidden until called upon to strike in a nuclear conflict.
United States
The US Navy has 14 active Ohio-class SSBNs (Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear), each capable of firing up to 20 Trident D5 missiles — each missile carrying multiple thermonuclear warheads. These submarines are highly stealthy and can remain submerged for months, requiring no major overhaul for nearly 15 years.
Additionally, four Ohio-class subs have been converted into SSGNs (guided missile submarines) that carry conventional Tomahawk cruise missiles instead of nuclear arms.
Russia
Russia’s seaborne nuclear deterrent depends mainly on its Borei-class and Delta IV-class submarines. As per NDTV, eight Borei-class SSBNs are presently operational, with three more in the pipeline. Each submarine is capable of carrying 16 Bulava ICBMs and comes equipped with torpedo tubes and anti-submarine rocket systems.
Meanwhile, six Delta IV-class submarines — the backbone of Russia’s nuclear fleet during the previous decades — are still in service, armed with Sineva SLBMs and continuing to reinforce Russia’s maritime nuclear shield.
Fast-Attack Submarines: Who Has the Technological Edge?
Apart from strategic deterrence, fast-attack submarines handle the key responsibilities — shadowing adversary vessels, intelligence-gathering, and tactical support.
US Fast-Attack Submarines
The US Navy operates three nuclear-powered fast-attack classes:
- Virginia-class: The most recent and versatile, equipped with advanced surveillance gear, special operations modules, and Tomahawk missiles.
- Los Angeles-class: Inducted in the 1970s, these still constitute a major portion of the fleet and have been modernised extensively.
- Seawolf-class: Only three were built due to high cost, but they are known for exceptional stealth and firepower.
Together, these submarines ensure unmatched reach and rapid response capabilities across oceans.
Russian Fast-Attack Submarines
Russia has been actively upgrading its attack fleet, especially through the Yasen-M class.
These submarines are quieter and more compact than earlier models, and believed to be armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, Oniks anti-ship missiles, and potentially the Tsirkon hypersonic missile — a development that could alter the strategic balance if fully confirmed.
Russia also retains Akula-class subs from the 1980s, which, despite their age, have been overhauled and continue to serve.
What Gives the US an Edge?
The US advantage lies not just in numbers, but in deployment scale, endurance, and technological integration.
American submarines are designed for extended global missions, powered by life-of-core nuclear reactors, meaning they don’t need refuelling during their entire service lifespan. Their Large Aperture Bow (LAB) sonar arrays provide unmatched detection capability in deep-sea environments.
Strategically, US submarines often operate in sync with NATO and Indo-Pacific allies, reinforcing a global security framework.
Russia’s Rapid Modernisation: A Rising Challenge
Russia’s naval resurgence has picked up momentum in recent years, especially compared to the post-Soviet 1990s.
The Yasen-M class submarines are considered serious contenders to the Virginia class. These also use life-of-core reactors and incorporate conformal sonar arrays similar to US counterparts.
As per Newsweek, the Sevmash shipyard is producing 1–2 nuclear submarines annually, despite economic pressures and sanctions. President Vladimir Putin even personally attended the launch of the Alexander III Borei-A sub in late 2023, signalling high political backing.
If these trends persist, Russia may significantly reduce the technology and capability gap.
Why Are Submarines Suddenly Back in Focus?
Although this submarine race has been ongoing, a single exchange this week has brought it to global attention.
Medvedev’s reference to the “Dead Hand” triggered a bold response from Trump — the redeployment of US nuclear subs. Whether these are Ohio-class boomers or Virginia/Los Angeles-class attack submarines hasn’t been revealed. Regardless, such public disclosure is unusual, as the US traditionally keeps submarine movements under wraps.
This makes Trump’s move symbolically potent — and raises the stakes in the undersea power game.
So, Who Commands the Underwater Domain?
In terms of total numbers and global presence, the US holds the advantage. It has more submarines, wider global deployment, and superior sonar and endurance capabilities.
However, Russia is closing the gap — especially in missile tech and nuclear reactor design. Its Borei and Yasen subs reflect a rejuvenated naval force. Their increased patrols near NATO zones also point to a shift in strategy.
The contrast lies in intent:
- The US Navy is built for extended global operations and deterrence through presence.
- Russia’s submarine force, however, is increasingly geared for strategic messaging and regional power projection.
In an era where tensions can escalate in hours, both submarine forces are formidable — but they reflect two very different philosophies of naval warfare.
