Adding anti-air missiles to a submarine would allow it to fight back against enemy anti-submarine planes, or even launch ambushes against other aircraft—but would come at a cost as well.

Could US Navy submarines start carrying air defense missiles? Potentially, according to a new notice released by the Navy.

If the Navy were to add air defense capabilities to its already-capable submarine fleet, it would increase the Navy’s overall operational and deterrence capabilities. On the other hand, there would be a cost to doing so, as the silent service’s resources are necessarily limited, and such a move would likely reduce each submarine’s naval and ground strike capabilities.

Why the US Navy Wants Air Defense Missiles for Submarines  

In a recent draft notice, the Navy shared its vision for a new modular air defense missile. Called the “Naval Modular Missile” (NMM), the munition will come in several different versions, including a submarine-launched variant.

“The United States Navy (USN) is seeking a new, modular interceptor to serve as the basis for the Naval Modular Missile (NMM) program, a next-generation initiative designed to revolutionize surface naval capabilities through multi-mission utility, enhanced capacity, and a modular open architecture,” the Navy announced in its draft notice request.  

In this modern era of warfare, “modular” weapon designs are all the rage. The modern philosophy of weapon development and production aims to create weapon systems that can fulfill multiple roles and adapt easily to new platforms at lower costs.

The Navy’s search for an air defense munition that can equip its guided-missile submarines aligns with this modern philosophy of weapon development. The “Naval Modular Missile” is designed to meet the Navy’s missile needs across its surface and undersea platforms. Within the broader NMM program, the NMM-ER S is the submarine variant of the advanced munition and is designed specifically for the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. Similarly to the UGM-109 Tomahawk land attack cruise missile, seven NMM-ER S missiles can fit in each payload module, allowing for greater munition capacity. 

Submarines can mainly refit in port, and their deployments often last several months. Space on board is precious. So, it is crucial that several NMM-ER S can fit in one payload module.  

With Sea-to-Air Missiles, Submarines Could Shoot Back

The Navy’s proposal to put air defense missiles on submarines is innovative. Submarines excel by their ability to stealthily sail underwater and pounce at unsuspecting targets at sea, or launch precision-guided munitions against predetermined targets on land. Historically, the one domain outside of a submarine’s reach has been air; this has allowed specially tailored aircraft armed with depth charges and other specialty munitions to hunt enemy submarines; a submarine’s only response has been stealth, to dive and hope the aircraft passes without incident.

Equipping subs with sea-to-air missiles will give submarines the ability to strike back at these threats. Moreover, equipping subs with air defense missiles will give submarines the ability to ambush high-value targets—particularly invaluable airborne early warning (AEW&C) aircraft or transport aircraft carrying important persons—before diving back into the ocean.

On the flip side, there is the consideration of a submarine’s traditional uses: sinking enemy warships and cargo ships and striking targets on land. With limited space onboard, taking precious room for air defense missiles can distract from a submarine’s primary focus. The Navy has other assets with dedicated air defense capabilities, including the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers and the air squadrons aboard aircraft carriers.  

Operation Epic Fury and subsequent operations against Iran have showcased the necessity of a robust arsenal of advanced precision-guided munitions. Navy submarines, alongside several other US military assets, have been targeting Iranian military, political, and economic infrastructure. Submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles have accounted for heavy Iranian losses. Reducing the capacity of anti-ship and land-attack munitions onboard submarines in favor of air defense missiles could prove a risky decision in future sustained combat operations against a capable adversary. 

About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou  

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University, an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a JD from Boston College Law School. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP. 

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