A submerged submarine launches an inert Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) during testing near Florida in September 2025. Future US Navy submarines could carry the “Naval Modular Missile” (NMM), an anti-air missile with a variety of uses. (US Navy)

American Submarines Could Soon Shoot Down Enemy Aircraft

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Adding anti-air missiles to a submarine would allow it to fight back against enemy anti-submarine planes, or even launch ambushes against other aircraft—but would come at a cost as well.

Could US Navy submarines start carrying air defense missiles? Potentially, according to a new notice released by the Navy.

If the Navy were to add air defense capabilities to its already-capable submarine fleet, it would increase the Navy’s overall operational and deterrence capabilities. On the other hand, there would be a cost to doing so, as the silent service’s resources are necessarily limited, and such a move would likely reduce each submarine’s naval and ground strike capabilities.

Why the US Navy Wants Air Defense Missiles for Submarines  

In a recent draft notice, the Navy shared its vision for a new modular air defense........

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