Diesel-Electric Submarines: A Strategic Imperative in Countering China's Naval Expansion
The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a focal point of global strategic interest in an era characterised by shifting geopolitical landscapes and emerging power relations. This storyline revolves around China's rapid rise as a maritime power, which has alarmed the US and its allies. As tensions rise, the idea of beefing up naval capabilities gains traction, with a special emphasis on diesel-electric submarines as a critical tool for countering China's growing influence in the region.
The Stealth Advantage: Diesel-Electric Submarines
Diesel-electric submarines have long been lauded for their remarkable stealth characteristics, making them a powerful asset in modern naval combat. Diesel-electric submarines use a combination of diesel engines for surface travel and electric propulsion for submerged operations, as opposed to nuclear-powered equivalents, which have indefinite endurance due to their nuclear reactors.[1] This one-of-a-kind propulsion technology gives them an almost undetectable underwater profile, allowing them to operate surreptitiously and gain a decisive advantage in critical situations.[2]
China's Maritime Ambitions
China's massive navy modernization plans have echoed around the world. China's naval fleet expansion and advances in cutting-edge naval technologies have enabled it to project influence far beyond its borders. China's maritime ambitions have pushed neighbouring countries and the United States to rethink their defence strategy, from the militarization of disputed islands in the South China Sea to the construction of aircraft carriers and advanced anti-ship missile systems.[3]
The United States Strategic Response
Faced with China's expanding naval capabilities, the US and its allies are aggressively investigating methods to ensure Indo-Pacific regional security and equilibrium. The expansion of submarine fleets is a significant route being followed, with diesel-electric submarines emerging as a critical component of this approach.[4] These submarines provide a unique set of benefits that successfully address the multifarious difficulties faced by China's maritime expansion.
The United States Navy has recognised submarines' important role in modern naval combat, particularly in contested and littoral regions. The United States has begun a programme to modernise and increase its submarine fleet as part of its strategic response. This includes the acquisition of modern Virginia-class nuclear-powered assault submarines with unrivalled speed, endurance, and stealth. While nuclear-powered submarines have numerous advantages, they are not always the best choice for some operational scenarios, such as covert surveillance and anti-submarine warfare in shallower waters.[5]
With the recent emphasis on diesel-electric submarines, the US Navy's strategic response has increasingly focused on diesel-electric submarines as a complementary and versatile component of its submarine fleet. These submarines provide distinct advantages, most notably the ability to operate quietly in littoral situations where the acoustic obstacles given by complicated undersea terrain are more obvious, such as the South China Sea. The United States can efficiently meet specific operational requirements, such as intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, and coastal defence, by introducing diesel-electric submarines into its fleet.[6]
The US Navy has also developed capabilities specifically for Indo-Pacific operations. The strategic approach includes adjusting the capabilities of diesel-electric submarines to the operating theatre of the Indo-Pacific. The region's various maritime settings, including as shallow waterways and archipelagic terrain, demand submarines capable of manoeuvring and conducting covert operations close to shore. Diesel-electric submarines are well-suited to these conditions, allowing the United States Navy to retain a strong and adaptable presence across the broad Indo-Pacific region.[7]
The United States has also begun Multilateral Collaboration, recognising that stopping China's naval expansion requires a team effort. The US has been interacting extensively with regional allies and partners like Japan, Australia, the Philippines, India, and South Korea. A critical component of the strategic response is the strengthening of alliances and the promotion of interoperability among warships.[8] The United States Navy improves its capabilities to deploy diesel-electric submarines and respond to China's maritime aggression by coordinating operations, sharing expertise, and conducting joint exercises with like-minded nations.[9]
The Deterrence and Response technique is another part of the US naval response. Diesel-electric submarines can cause doubt and anxiety among foes, making them a powerful deterrence against possible action. By strategically deploying these submarines and keeping a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific, the US sends a strong message that any hostile activities will be met with a forceful and coordinated reaction. This deterrent technique helps to keep the region stable and discourages provocations.
Stealth and Tactical Surveillance
Diesel-electric submarines excel in covert missions, allowing them to surveil and monitor enemy activity without setting off alarms.[10] In an age of information warfare and continual observation, the ability to gather intelligence quietly has taken on new importance. The deployment of diesel-electric submarines allows the US and its allies to maintain a better grasp of China's naval actions, adding to improved situational awareness.
Countering Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) Strategies
China's A2/AD policy aims to limit opposing forces' access to certain regions by deploying modern anti-ship missile systems, naval mines, and formidable air defence capabilities. The implications of these policies could destabilise the Indo-Pacific power balance currently maintained by the US and its allies.[11]
The A2/AD strategy of China considerably improves its ability to project power and assert authority in contested maritime zones. China can influence neighbouring states' behaviour, dissuade military intervention, and potentially strengthen its territorial claims by building zones of denial. A2/AD tactics also serve as a deterrent to foreign military intervention by increasing the hazards and expenses of operating near China's shores. The prospect of escalation can drive enemies to be cautious and avoid actions that could lead to a military confrontation.[12]
China's A2/AD capabilities challenge the United States' and its allies' historic maritime dominance, notably in the Western Pacific. The success of China's plan may redefine regional power dynamics, necessitating changes in naval doctrines and force postures. China's A2/AD strategy's effectiveness is inextricably linked to technology advances in areas such as missile development, radar systems, and submarine capabilities. Potential opponents must constantly invest in research and development to discover effective responses to defeat these approaches.[13]
By operating in contested waters and interrupting enemy supply lines, diesel-electric submarines play a critical role in defeating this approach. These submarines, equipped with the ability to strike high-value targets while escaping detection, undercut China's A2/AD efforts and increase the manoeuvrability of coalition troops.[14]
Cost-Efficiency and Versatility
In addition to tactical advantages, diesel-electric submarines provide significant economic benefits. They have cheaper construction and maintenance costs than nuclear-powered competitors, making them a more realistic option for countries facing budgetary restraints. This cost-effectiveness broadens the scope of naval modernization activities, establishing a collaborative security environment.[15]
Enhancing Regional Alliances and Deterrence
The pursuit of diesel-electric submarines also helps to strengthen regional partnerships and enhance deterrence capabilities. As governments in the Indo-Pacific region work to protect their interests in the face of China's assertive attitude, sophisticated naval capabilities can foster solidarity among like-minded nations. This cooperative approach can serve as a deterrence to violent behaviour by clearly indicating that any breaches will be addressed with a unified and resolute response.[16]
Conclusion
As China's maritime ambitions evolve, the strategic imperative of resisting its naval expansion becomes more pressing. Diesel-electric submarines, with their exceptional stealth and adaptability, appear as an attractive answer to this challenging dilemma. The United States and its allies recognise the importance of strengthening their naval capabilities in order to maintain stability and equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific area. These countries may strengthen their deterrence posture, gather critical intelligence, and successfully oppose China's A2/AD plan by investing in diesel-electric submarines. As diplomatic efforts and defence strategy evolve, diesel-electric submarines continue to play an important role in defining the complex dynamics of the Indo-Pacific theatre.
End Notes
[1] (There’s a Case for Diesels, 2018)
[2] ibid
[3] (China’s Anti-Access Area Denial – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, 2018)
[4] (Roberts, 2019)
[5] ibid
[6] ibid
[7] ibid
[8] (Staff, 202226)
[9] ibid
[10] (There’s a Case for Diesels, 2018)
[11] (Freier, n.d.)
[12] (Are Aircraft Carriers Still Relevant?, 2018)
[13] ibid
[14] (Freier, n.d.)
[15] (There’s a Case for Diesels, 2018)
[16] (Staff, 202226)
Bibliography
1. There’s a Case for Diesels. (2018, June 1). U.S. Naval Institute. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2018/june/theres-case-diesels
2. Roberts, C. (2019, October 18). Are Diesel-Powered Submarines Better Than America’s Leading Nuclear Fleet? Observer. https://observer.com/2019/10/diesel-powered-submarines-vs-american-nuclear-fleet/
3. China’s Anti-Access Area Denial – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. (2018, August 24). China’s Anti-Access Area Denial – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-threat-and-proliferation/todays-missile-threat/china/china-anti-access-area-denial/
4. Staff, A. J. (202226, May 26). Blinken lays out US strategy to counter China as rivalry grows. Blinken Lays Out US Strategy to Counter China as Rivalry Grows | Politics News | Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/26/blinken-lays-out-us-strategy-to-counter-china-as-rivalry-grows
5. Freier, N. (n.d.). The Emerging Anti-Access/Area-Denial Challenge. The Emerging Anti-Access/Area-Denial Challenge. https://www.csis.org/analysis/emerging-anti-accessarea-denial-challenge
6. Are Aircraft Carriers Still Relevant? (2018, November 15). Are Aircraft Carriers Still Relevant? – the Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2018/11/are-aircraft-carriers-still-relevant/
Pic Courtesy-Robert Linder at unsplash.com
(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)