5 Most Powerful Attack Submarines [2024]

Despite the billions invested in tracking and countering these underwater predators, navies worldwide still grapple with the inexorable prowess of these stealthy killers. Join us on a deep-sea journey as we unveil the top ten most formidable attack submarines in the world and unveil the elite five that rule the oceans. These are also the most powerful powerful submarines in the world.

List of the most powerful attack submarines

The 5 most powerful attack submarines in the world are Seawolf Class, Virginia Class, Astute Class, Graney Class and Sierra II Class.

1. Seawolf Class – USA, the most powerful attack submarine

The Seawolf Class was born out of the US Navy’s determination to regain its technological edge over the Soviets. It’s ten times quieter than the improved Los Angeles Class, virtually impossible to locate while cruising at 20 knots.

With eight torpedo tubes and the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, the Seawolf Class is unmatched underwater. However, its high cost led to only three being built. Despite this, the Seawolf Class remains a dominant force in the ocean, even surpassing the newer Virginia Class.

2. Virginia Class – USA

The Virginia Class replaces the Los Angeles class and offers multi-mission capabilities, including anti-shipping, reconnaissance, land-attack, and special operations. The US Navy has been procuring Virginia class nuclear-powered attack submarines since 1998. They are some of the top nuclear submarines in the world. 

It’s the first US sub with a built-in Navy SEAL staging area. These submarines can also carry a nuclear-variant Tomahawk cruise missile for deterrence. Fourteen are in service, with 16 more on order.

The Navy aims to acquire a cutting-edge nuclear-powered attack submarine, SSN(X), in 2035, succeeding the current Virginia-class. The proposed budget for SSN(X) development in 2024 is $544.7 million.

3. Astute Class – Great Britain, one of the most powerful submarines in the world

With the Swiftsure class nearing the end of its service life, the Astute Class represents the UK’s technological leap in submarine capabilities.

These submarines boast advanced data processing and carry 36 torpedoes, anti-ship Harpoon missiles, Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, or mines. Four are in service, with plans for seven by 2024.

4. Graney Class – Russia’s most powerful attack submarine

The Graney Class submarines, or Project 885 Yasen Class, is Russia’s latest nuclear attack submarine, succeeding the Akula Class. Delays in construction due to funding issues led to its first delivery in 2013.

Armed with vertical launch tubes for anti-ship and land-attack missiles, the Graney Class targets surface vessels and coastal assets. While more advanced than the Akula, it remains only slightly quieter, revealing Russia’s challenges in acoustic silencing.

5. Sierra II Class – Russia, one of the best submarines in the world

The Sierra II Class, also known as Project 945A Kondor Class, was among Russia’s most expensive and deep-diving submarines.

They succeeded the Sierra I Class and featured a double hull made of titanium, which reduced noise and increased resistance to torpedoes. However, the high cost of titanium production contributed to their replacement by the cheaper Akula class.

Summary of the 5 most powerful attack submarines in the world 

In the unfathomable depths of our oceans, these remarkable machines, the world’s top five most powerful submarines, silently patrol, and vigilantly guard their nations’ interests. There are also the best submarines in the world. From the formidable Seawolf Class, with its unparalleled stealth capabilities, to the versatile Virginia Class, the future of undersea warfare is defined by innovation, precision, and unwavering dedication.

Sources

1. Navy Next-Generation Attack Submarine (SSN[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, November 13, 2023.
2. Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, April 16, 2019.