Originally Posted by
Bing
So ~26 SSNs, of which 1 has definitely fired on a ship, and at least 4 have fired TLAM at land targets. So about 20% have fired in anger. But of course firing in anger isn't the only thing they're designed to do, so it's hard to see what you're getting worked up about.
Quite agree - a lot of what they do that makes vital difference to UK and allied national security doesnt involve firing, but couldn't be done by anyone else.
I'd recommend a read of Lord Hennesseys book on the submarine service as a primer.