Submarine Armament. Submarines are combat ships that rely on stealth and the ability to pinpoint targets and threats. An array of weapons enables submarines to engage their targets and defend themselves against attack. Submarine Weapons

Nuclear submarines carry a wide array of offensive and defensive weapons, both nuclear and conventional, with which they conduct their secret operations. They must be able to deploy these weapons with little notice, and ensure that they are accurate and successful in accomplishing their objectives. Ballistic missiles are the most powerful and far-reaching of these weapons, but there are many others in a nuclear submarine's arsenal which define its threat and maintain its ability to hide and seek, as well as strike. Anytime and anywhere.

Copyright © 2000, The National Museum of American History

Ballistic Missiles. Long-range ballistic missiles are called ballistic because, like a shell from a gun, they receive a brief but powerful initial impetus then follow an unpowered ballistic trajectory.

Nuclear submarines carry a wide array of offensive and defensive weapons, both nuclear and conventional, with which they conduct their secret operations. They must be able to deploy these weapons with little notice, and ensure that they are accurate and successful in accomplishing their objectives. Ballistic missiles are the most powerful and far-reaching of these weapons, but there are many others in a nuclear submarine's arsenal which define its threat and maintain its ability to hide and seek, as well as strike. Anytime and anywhere.