The Secret Lives of Submarines: Do Modern Submarines Roam Unannounced in Foreign Waters?

Modern submarines, often referred to as the silent service, play a clandestine role in global geopolitics. Do they rove freely into foreign waters, and what happens when they get detected? This article explores the history, tactics, and contemporary realities of submarine operations.

History and Precedents

During the Cold War, the practice of submarines roaming in foreign waters unannounced was not uncommon. In particular, American submarines like Parche, Halibut, and Seawolf were involved in special operations along the borders of Soviet territory. One notable incident is the Whiskey on the Rocks submarine event, in which a Soviet submarine entered Swedish territorial waters, leading to a serious infringement that resulted in the development of less-than-lethal anti-submarine weapons by the Royal Swedish Navy.

These weapons were designed to damage a submarine sufficiently to force it to the surface without sinking it. Notably, several instances where these weapons were fired against sub contacts did not result in a capture. Additionally, a captured North Korean mini-sub was recovered in South Korea, abandoned on the coast, providing further evidence of such operations.

Strategic Importance and Detection

The ability to remain undetected is crucial for submarines. When detected, countries employ various measures, including a diplomatic response. Instead of a direct military confrontation, nations often issue diplomatic notes to improve submarine stealth and detection techniques in an ongoing cat-and-mouse game.

Modern Operations and Risks

Even today, submarines continue to conduct operations near foreign coastlines for intelligence-gathering purposes. American nuclear-powered attack submarines frequently operate near foreign coastlines, trailing foreign ships and submarines and undertaking clandestine tasks. Similar activities are performed by other countries' navies with their own submarines.

During peacetime, sending submarines into waters that are disputed or very close to the internationally recognized 12-mile offshore limit of sovereign territorial claims can be highly risky. During the Cold War, U.S. submarines were commonly found near or even within Soviet territorial waters, conducting a wide range of secret missions. These included tracking Soviet ballistic missile submarines, keeping tabs on the Red Navy's attack submarines and surface combatants, as well as supporting highly-classified signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) operations. One of the most daring missions involved tapping Soviet undersea communications cables.

Upon detection, the nation whose waters are being trespassed upon will often employ a show of force to drive the submarine out of their domain. Historically, there have been instances where the Soviet Union attempted to sink U.S. submarines. Despite the classified nature of many of these operations, it is clear that submarines play a critical role in gathering intelligence and maintaining strategic superiority.

For more information on these operations and incidents, check out the following resources:

Books detailing the exploits of American and Soviet submarines during the Cold War. Read reports on the Whiskey on the Rocks incident for a firsthand account. Visit museums and expos showcasing captured submarines and related technology.

Conclusion

The secret lives of submarines are far from dormant. Modern submarines continue to play a significant role in geopolitical strategies. The silent service remains a vital tool in international power dynamics, and understanding the history and current uses of submarines is crucial for anyone interested in the field of naval operations and national security.