Originally Posted by
AerialPerspective
Just a query, I believe one of the likely subs that Australia will choose to acquire will be the US Virginia Class which is an SSBN. As far as I'm aware, SSN means Sub Surface Nuclear (Nuclear referring to the propulsion), SSBN is the same but carries Ballistic Missiles - hence Sub Surface Ballistic Nuclear - in both instances 'Nuclear' is referring to the power-plant, not what is on the tips of the missiles. Ballistic Missiles can carry conventional warheads and if we get what is essentially a Virginia Class, it will have a Virtical Launch System, hard to imagine Australia not taking advantage of that capability and putting conventional BMs on it (or having the option in future).
Personally, I think the nuclear subs are a good move, I think we should arm them with nuclear missiles however. I mean, if you're going to have a deterrent, may as well have a real one.
Virginia class boats are not SSBNs they are SSN - Attack Subs. The forthcoming Columbia Class are SSBNs.