In modern naval warfare, nuclear submarines are known for their concealment and strategic deterrence, especially when performing covert missions, and it is essential to maintain underwater concealment. However, when the nuclear submarine was unfortunately discovered by enemy detection systems such as the anti-submarine P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft or other advanced anti-submarine platforms, a seemingly paradoxical phenomenon emerged: why would this high-tech ship with deep-sea navigation and long-term submersibility choose to rise to the surface rather than continue to evade tracking in the deep sea?
First of all, we must understand the disadvantages of nuclear submarines in the face of air threats. Modern anti-submarine equipment is equipped with advanced sonar systems, magnetic anomaly detectors and drop-on sonar buoys, which can effectively locate the location of submarines. Once the submarine is locked, even if the submarine has excellent silent performance, it is difficult to escape the ability of air power to maneuver quickly and strike with precision. Anti-submarine *** can not only report the position of the submarine in real time, but also guide surface ships and fixed-wing anti-submarine aircraft to carry out joint strikes on submarines, and even directly drop depth charges or launch anti-submarine torpedoes. In this case, the submarine is actually at great risk if it tries to continue to evade underwater.
Secondly, submarines are far less flexible in the maneuvering space under water than surface ships and air platforms, especially in the face of deep attacks. Although submarines are able to change their depth within a certain range, their escape space is extremely limited compared to torpedoes or mines thrown in the air, especially in areas where the water is shallow or the terrain is complex. Submarines that choose to dive quickly to avoid contact may run the risk of structural damage due to the limits of ocean pressure, or be unable to react and maneuver in a timely manner.
More importantly, the core value of the submarine lies in the strategic system it carries and the life safety of the crew. When the submarine realizes that it is difficult to effectively resist an attack from the air, the ascent becomes the best decision to ensure the safety of the submarine and its crew. Not only does it reduce the likelihood of further attack, but it is also a way to show the enemy its intentions, that is, the submarine may identify itself while sending a signal that it does not want to enter into a conflict and seeks a peaceful solution, which is important for reducing the escalation of conflict.
In addition, although the submarines of some countries have developed defense systems such as submarine-launched anti-aircraft missiles, this cannot fundamentally reverse the passive situation of submarines in the face of air anti-submarine forces. In particular, nuclear submarines, as an important part of the national strategic nuclear deterrence, have a direct impact on the cornerstone of national security. In this context, it is more in line with the prudent consideration at the strategic level to choose to float in the face of the situation.