As Trump deploys nuclear submarines after Putin aide Medvedev's warning of war, here's a look at US and Russian navy submarine capabilities

Economic Times

3 days ago

Synopsis
President Trump responded to Dmitry Medvedev's provocative statements by ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines. Medvedev's remarks, which included threats of war between the U.S. and Russia, prompted Trump's action as a precautionary measure. The U.S. Navy boasts a fleet of 71 submarines, while the Russian Navy operates 64 vessels, both undergoing modernization efforts.
President Donald Trump has taken a bold step by ordering the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines near Russia, following aggressive nuclear threats from Russian official Dmitry Medvedev. This unexpected move, announced on August 1, 2025, has sent shockwaves through global capitals and triggered urgent responses from NATO allies. As the war in Ukraine drags on and nuclear rhetoric escalates, Trump's action signals a high-stakes moment in international diplomacy. In a sharp response to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, days after he made 'provocative statements' and threatened war between the US and Russia, President Donald Trump said Friday he's ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines 'based on the highly provocative statements' of the country's former president, Dmitry Medvedev. Currently, Medvedev is serving as deputy chairman of Russia's National Security Council.The US president, in a social media post, stated that based on the 'highly provocative statements' from Medvedev, he had "ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.' 'Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances,' the president further stated.'Based on the highly provocative statements of the former president of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter!,' Trump said on Truth Social.Medvedev, in his post on X on Monday (July 28, 2025), said, 'Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10… He should remember 2 things.' '1. Russia isn't Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war,' Medvedev wrote. 'Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don't go down the Sleepy Joe road!' Medvedev stated, referring to former President Joe Biden.As President Trump hits back at Russia over Medvedev's war threats, here's a look at US and Russian naval submarines:
The United States submarine force consists of four operational classes: Ohio, Los Angeles, Seawolf, and Virginia, all of which are nuclear-powered, according to (Nuclear Threat Initiative website, NTI.org. The Ohio class includes 14 SSBNs that make up the sea-based part of the U.S. nuclear triad. Four more Ohio-class submarines have been converted to SSGNs, equipped for both strike missions and Special Forces deployment.The other three active classes—Virginia, Seawolf, and Los Angeles—consist of SSN attack submarines designed for targeting enemy ships, supporting operations ashore and carrier groups, and conducting surveillance.
Total Submarines in Fleet: 71
Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs): 14Nuclear-Powered attack submarines (SSNs): 53Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN): 4Diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs): 0Air-independent propulsion submarines (AIPs): 0The Russian Navy operates one of the world's largest submarine fleets, with an estimated 64 vessels. Its 16 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) are a core part of Russia's strategic deterrent. Despite financial challenges after the Soviet Union's collapse, Russia has made major upgrades to its submarine force in recent years.
Total Submarines in Fleet: 64
Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs): 16Nuclear-Powered attack submarines (SSNs): 14Nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines (SSGNs): 11Diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs): 23After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia took up several projects to boost its submarine fleet. In 1993, Russia started the construction of a Yasen-class submarine, the Severodvinsk (K-885). The country, however, did not commission it until 2014.The Russian Navy is planning to replace both its SSNs and SSGNs with the multirole Project 885-M Yasen-class submarines. Russia launched its second Yasen-class submarine, the Kazan, in 2017. This vessel entered into service in the Northern Fleet in 2021.Russia signed a contract with the shipbuilding company Sevmash to build two Project 885-M Yasen-class nuclear-powered attack submarines in June 2019.The Borei-class (NATO: Dolgorukiy) SSBNs play a key role in Russia's post-Cold War strategic arsenal. Launched in 1996, the Borei-class is set to replace the aging Typhoon-class, Kalmar-class (NATO: Delta III), and Delfin-class (NATO: Delta IV) submarines, according to NTI.org. Russia launched its first Borei-A class submarine, Knyaz Vladimir, in 2017. It includes several upgrades over the original design. The Russian military declared Knyaz Vladimir fully operational in 2021, and it has since taken part in groundbreaking under-ice missions.In April 2019, the Russian Ministry of Defense revealed its plans to build two new Borei-K-class nuclear submarines. The first of these boats, the Knyaz Oleg, was laid down in July 2014-15, completed sea trials, and was commissioned to the Pacific Fleet in late 2021.The second submarine, Generalissimo Suvorov, was commissioned in late 2022. As of early 2023, reports indicate it is serving with Russia's Northern Fleet. These vessels are nearly identical to earlier Borei-class models but can launch long-range cruise missiles.