Afew months ago, the world was shocked by the disappearance of the Titan submersible, which lost contact deep inside the ocean. Five passengers, including some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, were on board. Despite extensive search efforts, the submersible was never recovered, and all passengers were declared dead. This tragic incident once again raised an important question: what exactly is a submarine, how was it invented, and why does it play such a critical role in modern warfare?
A submarine is a specialized naval vessel designed to operate underwater for extended periods. Unlike surface ships, submarines can dive deep into oceans, remain hidden, and perform strategic missions without being detected. The idea of exploring underwater has fascinated humans for centuries. Some historical sources even suggest that Alexander the Great experimented with an underwater chamber around 332 BC, although no concrete evidence confirms this claim.
The first documented submarine design was created in 1578 by an English mathematician named William Bourne. His concept involved a wooden vessel covered with waterproof leather, but the technology of that era was not advanced enough to build a functional model. The first working submarine was finally built in 1620 by Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel in England. His submarine successfully navigated the River Thames and could dive up to 15 feet underwater, carrying passengers including King James I.
During the 18th century, multiple experimental submarine designs emerged, many of which failed due to technical limitations. One notable early military submarine was the American submersible known as “The Turtle,” built in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. Its mission was to attach explosives to British warships, but the operation was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, it marked the first recorded military use of a submarine.
In 1800, American inventor Robert Fulton developed another submarine with funding from Napoleon Bonaparte. Although France and Britain showed little interest in his invention, Fulton’s ideas significantly influenced future submarine technology.
The real military importance of submarines emerged in the 20th century. During World War I, German U-boats devastated enemy shipping routes, sinking over 5,000 Allied vessels. These submarines used diesel engines and torpedoes to attack ships silently beneath the sea.
World War II further proved the strategic value of submarines. Although American submarines made up only a small percentage of the U.S. Navy, they were responsible for destroying nearly 30 percent of enemy ships and over 60 percent of Japan’s naval fleet. Submarines had become decisive weapons of naval warfare.
A revolutionary shift occurred in 1954 when the United States launched the first nuclear-powered submarine. Nuclear reactors eliminated the need for frequent refueling, allowing submarines to remain underwater for months. Soon, both the United States and the Soviet Union developed nuclear submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles, turning them into mobile nuclear deterrents.
One of the most dangerous moments in submarine history occurred during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. A Soviet nuclear submarine nearly launched a nuclear missile at the United States after misinterpreting U.S. naval actions as an act of war. Only the calm decision of Soviet officer Vasili Arkhipov prevented a global nuclear catastrophe.
Submarines have also been involved in mysterious accidents. In 1967, a Soviet submarine sank in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of over 16,000 feet. The CIA secretly attempted to recover parts of it to study Soviet technology. In later years, multiple submarine disasters occurred due to explosions, oxygen failures, and gas leaks.
Life inside a submarine is extremely challenging. Space is limited, oxygen is carefully controlled, and crew members can remain underwater for months without sunlight. Modern nuclear submarines can stay submerged for three to four months, while some British submarines hold records of over 110 days underwater.
In modern conflicts, submarines continue to play a vital role. During the Russia–Ukraine conflict, submarines were used to launch long-range missile attacks from hidden underwater positions. These advanced vessels are nearly undetectable and equipped with cutting-edge sensors.
Pakistan currently operates several military submarines, although they rely on older technology. Efforts are ongoing to develop more advanced capabilities, including nuclear-powered submarines in the future.
Beyond warfare, submarines are now being used for tourism and deep-sea exploration. However, as recent tragedies have shown, underwater travel remains extremely risky.
Submarines are among the most powerful and mysterious machines ever built. From ancient imagination to modern nuclear deterrence, their journey reflects humanity’s endless desire to explore, dominate, and survive beneath the oceans.
— Published by Daily UpDown
FAQ
Q1: What is a submarine?
A submarine is a naval vessel designed to operate underwater for extended periods, mainly for military, research, and exploration purposes.
Q2: Who invented the first submarine?
The first functional submarine was built by Cornelis Drebbel in 1620 in England.
Q3: Why are submarines important in warfare?
Submarines provide stealth, strategic deterrence, intelligence gathering, and the ability to launch surprise attacks.
Q4: What is a nuclear submarine?
A nuclear submarine uses a nuclear reactor for power, allowing it to remain underwater for months without refueling.
Q5: Are submarine tours safe?
Submarine tourism exists, but it carries serious risks due to extreme underwater pressure and limited rescue options.
REFERENCES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-boat
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_submarine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Missile_Crisis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_submersible_implosion