Biggest Submarines in the World
Typhoon Class Russia/ Project 941 Akula Class These nuclear giants were built by Soviet Russia in the 1960s and 70s for facing the US and its allies in the ongoing cold war. Larger than three football fields combined, they were laden with extraordinary features such as swimming pools, saunas and golf courses. Typhoon class submarines measured 566 feet lengthwise, 76 m breadthwise and reached a height of 38 m with a displacement of over 48,000 tonnes.
Borei-Class Russia/ Project 955 Borei The fourth-generation Borei was the first class of submarines constructed by Russia since the end of the Soviet Regime. They were meant to replace the old Delta III, IV and typhoon class submarines and serve the Russian Naval forces.
Ohio-Class, United States The third biggest in the world, the Ohio class submarines were commissioned for the US navy between 1977 and 1998. Each Ohio-class submarine is equipped with 24 Trident II missiles, with a range of about 12,000 kilometres.
Delta Class, Russia The Delta Class comprises a series of ballistic missile submarines that formed the cornerstone of the Russian submarine fleet in the 1970s. It consisted of four sub-classes namely Delta I, II, III and IV which were 167 m long and 12.5 m wide.
Oscar Class Russia/ Project 949 A Antey Project 949 A Antey belongs to the Oscar class of cruise missile submarines that also constitutes Project 949 Granit. They are currently part of the Russian northern fleet and are undergoing modernisation to increase their lifespan.
Vanguard Class, UK The Vanguard class contains four ballistic missile submarines built for the British Navy as part of the 1994 Trident nuclear program. These vessels were constructed between 1985 and 1999 by the company Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering. Their homeport is Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, just forty kilometres from Glasgow, Scotland.
Yasen/Graney Class, Russia The Yasen, also known as the Graney class of submarines were designed by the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau and constructed by Sevmash, the biggest shipbuilder in Russia. The first vessel of this class, the Severodvinsk, began operations in 2013. Two others, namely Kazan and Novosibirsk entered service in 2021.
Triomphant Class, France After the six Le Redoutable class submarines were decommissioned in the 1990s, the first Triomphant class submarine was launched in 1997. Four such vessels were built that are currently an active part of the French naval fleet. With their homeport in Ile Lounge, Western Brittany, these vessels are 138 metres long, 12.5 m broad and have a displacement of 14,335 tonnes.
Sierra Class, Russia The Sierra class consists of four attack submarines constructed under Project 945 Barrakuda and Project 945 A Kondor. Built during the cold war period, they were refurbished in the 1990s and were known for their lightweight titanium hull which allowed the vessels to attain a maximum speed of 35 knots. Equipped with better weapons, they were 112 metres long and displaced 10,500 tonnes.
Akula Class, Russia Ten submarines of the Akula class were launched by Russia in 1986. These attack submarines are double-hulled, offering greater buoyancy than other western subs. They have a unique wake detection system for catching temperature changes. The attack ships can use Type 53 and type 65 torpedos and are armed with four launch pads on each side. Measuring 110 metres, they have an underwater displacement of 13,700 tonnes.