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Old 14th Jun 2010, 13:22
  #16 (permalink)  
Lonewolf_50
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
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They are actually believed to have nuclear strike capability from their submarines. Israel Stations Nuclear Missile Sub off Iran
In the for what it's worth department, any sub with 53cm tubes is now a nuclear missile sub according to your link and your argument.

All one has to do is get one's hands on a nuclear tipped missile or torp that fits the tube ...

With that in mind, the next time any nation's submarines deploys, they have deployed a Nuclear Missile Sub.

Which, when I think of it, is a pretty dishonest way of describing things.

The no-kidding nuclear missile subs, carrying SLBM's (Delta III's, Ohio Class, Vanguard class) are a much different kettle of fish than subs carrying cruise missiles ... that may or may not have a nuclear payload.

Cruise missiles can be defended against with conventional air defense, albeit EW is very handy.

Ballistic missiles? No.

Compare TLAM (N) (Tomahawk with a nuclear payload) and SS-N-21 (Russian cruise missile with a 200 kilo ton warhead) with a Polaris.

Small wonder the US and Soviets, in the 80's, wrestled with the arms race implications of cruise missiles with nuclear tips.
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