their prey alone - to reduce the risk of being attacked by friendly forces. However, recent developments in the communications fit in modernised RN nuclear submarines has resulted in improved connectivity with surface vessels and aircraft and has fitted them for a new role, working with the fleet in Maritime Contributions to Joint Operations (MCJO). When not engaged in such operations, their stealth characteristics can be fully utilized in intelligence gathering
The nuclear-powered submarine represents a terrible threat to surface warships, for her speed enables her to close in, attack with a variety of weapons - such as guided torpedoes or missiles - and then withdraw at high speed and her stealth capability enables this to be achieved without detection. The recent and ongoing installation of Tomahawk cruise missile systems at refit
