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Submarines

Underwater vessels first existed as early as the 17th century but did not become critical components of modern navies until the 20th century. RAND analysts have examined the submarine's role in nuclear conflict, the design of new submarines for the Australian navy, and the future role of unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs).

Commentary

China's Naval Modernization: Where Is It Headed?

The PLA Navy is expanding its capabilities and operations to reduce vulnerabilities in China's near seas, but also to aggressively support its expanding global ambitions and challenge U.S. leadership in Asia.

Feb 10, 2016
News Release

News Release

China's Military Modernization Increasingly Challenges U.S. Defense Capabilities in Asia

Although China continues to lag behind the United States in terms of aggregate military hardware and operational skills, it has improved its capabilities relative to those of the U.S. in many critical areas. Moreover, China does not need to catch up fully in order to challenge U.S. ability to conduct effective military operations near the Chinese mainland.

Sep 14, 2015
Research Brief

Tallying the U.S.-China Military Scorecard

A set of “scorecards” assesses the relative capabilities of U.S. and Chinese military forces in diverse types of conflict, at varying distances from the Chinese mainland, and at different points in time.

Sep 14, 2015
Report

China's Military Modernization Increasingly Challenges U.S. Defense Capabilities in Asia

Although China continues to lag behind the United States in terms of aggregate military hardware and operational skills, it has improved its capabilities relative to those of the U.S. in many critical areas. Moreover, China does not need to catch up fully in order to challenge U.S. ability to conduct effective military operations near the Chinese mainland.

Sep 14, 2015
Testimony

The Role of Maritime and Air Power in the DoD's Third Offset Strategy

Russia and China have been investing in military modernization programs to blunt the U.S. military's technological edge, fielding advanced aircraft, submarines, and both longer range and more accurate missiles. The DoD's Third Offset Strategy is a much-needed initiative to identify and invest in innovative ways to sustain and advance America's military dominance for the 21st century.

Dec 2, 2014
Report

Report

RAND NSRD Annual Report 2011-2012

Surveys the work of the RAND National Security Research Division from the spring of 2011 through the winter of 2012.

Jun 8, 2012
Research Brief

Research Brief

Australia's Domestic Submarine Design Capabilities: Options for the Future Submarine

To design a new naval submarine domestically, Australia's industry and Government will need about 1,000 skilled draftsmen and engineers. Cultivating this workforce could take 15-20 years; partnering with foreign designers could expedite the process.

Dec 22, 2011
News Release

News Release

RAND Issues New Study on Australia's Submarine Design Capabilities and Capacities

When it comes to designing a new submarine, Australia has considerable expertise, but some gaps still exist.

Dec 15, 2011
Report

Australia Has Considerable Expertise in Submarine Design, but Gaps Still Exist

The Royal Australian Navy intends to acquire 12 new submarines to replace its Collins-class vessels. RAND assessed the domestic engineering and design skills that Australian industry and government will need to design the new submarine, identified the skills they currently possess, and evaluated how to fill any gaps between the two.

Dec 15, 2011
Report

Report

Learning from Experience

The governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth of Australia asked the RAND Corporation to develop a set of lessons learned from previous submarine programs that could help inform future program managers.

Dec 9, 2011
Report

Report

Learning from Experience: Volume II: Lessons from the U.S. Navy's Ohio, Seawolf, and Virginia Submarine Programs

This volume presents an overview of lessons learned from three U.S. Navy submarine programs that could help inform future program managers.

Nov 16, 2011
Report

Report

Learning from Experience: Volume III: Lessons from the United Kingdom's Astute Submarine Program

This volume presents a set of lessons learned from the United Kingdom's Astute submarine program that could help inform future program managers.

Nov 16, 2011
Report

Lessons from the Submarine Programs of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia

An examination of five submarine programs in the three countries—the UK's Astute program; the U.S. Navy's Ohio, Seawolf, and Virginia programs; and Australia's Collins program—identifies lessons that could help inform future program managers.

Nov 16, 2011
Report

Report

Learning from Experience: Volume IV: Lessons from Australia's Collins Submarine Program

This volume presents a set of lessons learned from Australia's Collins submarine program that could help inform future program managers.

Nov 16, 2011
Brochure

Brochure

Industry and Infrastructure for Future Submarines: An International Perspective

Presented at the Submarine Institute of Australia's 2010 Conference in Perth, Australia, this paper draws on RAND's international submarine experience to highlight policies that Australia may wish to consider in planning for its new submarine.

Jan 28, 2011
Report

Report

A Survey of Missions for Unmanned Undersea Vehicles

RAND identifies seven military missions for unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) that appear most promising to pursue in terms of military need, operational and technical risks, non-UUV alternatives, and cost.

Jun 1, 2009
Research Brief

Research Brief

Sustaining Key Skills in the UK Naval Industry

To preserve its ability to design, build, and support complex warships and submarines, the UK's Ministry of Defence will need to preserve and sustain several key technical skills in the maritime domain.

Jul 15, 2008
Report

Report

Sustaining Key Skills in the UK Naval Industry

Building on prior RAND research, this monograph explores the need for and retention of technical skills in the UK's naval industrial base, particularly among designers and engineers involved with surface ship and submarine acquisition and support.

Apr 12, 2008
News Release

News Release

Navy Should Start Next Nuclear Submarine Design Phase Early to Prevent Engineering Brain Drain, RAND Study Finds

May 7, 2007 news release: Navy Should Start Next Nuclear Submarine Design Phase Early to Prevent Engineering Brain Drain, RAND Study Finds.

May 7, 2007
Report

Report

Sustaining U.S. Nuclear Submarine Design Capabilities

Given a lack of demand for nuclear submarine design resources in the near future, workforce and workload management options are analyzed to suggest ways to constrain the cost, schedule, and risk involved in the design of the next submarine class.

May 1, 2007

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RAND Topic:
Submarines

Topic Synonyms:
Nuclear Submarines

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