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Only six countries — USA, Russia, China, UK, France, India — can build SSBNs; by…

2026-08-07 · 13:07 UTC ·@Object_Zero_ ·1 min read

Brief

SSBNs are strategic nuclear deterrents: only six countries — USA, Russia, China, UK, France, India — can build them, while 12 states have orbital launch capability. CASD traces to the 1959 USS George Washington with 16 Polaris missiles, whose hidden at‑sea position enabled assured counterstrike. BAE's Devonshire Dock Hall is assembling three AUKUS nuclear subs at roughly $5 billion each.

Why it matters

Only six countries — USA, Russia, China, UK, France, India — can build SSBNs; by contrast, 12 countries have orbital launch capability. The author asserts nations vary in build, operation and design strengths and possess superior/inferior submarine technologies and many secrets.

Key details

  • SSBNs provide Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD). The first SSBN, USS George Washington (launched 1959), carried 16 Polaris missiles; its unknowable location made it the 'ultimate counterstrike.'
  • BAE's Devonshire Dock Hall in Barrow‑in‑Furness is building three nuclear submarines side‑by‑side; the AUKUS submarines will be built there and are estimated to cost approximately $5 billion per boat.
Source evidence

Building an SSBN
(Ship Submersible, Ballistic Nuclear)

Only 6 countries in the world can build an SSBN… USA, Russia, China, UK, France, India.

(for context, there are 12 countries with orbital launch capabilities)

They all build SSBNs differently, each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some are better at building, some are better at operating, some are better at design. There are superior and inferior technologies. Lots of secrets.

Why do it?

The purpose of the SSBN, is to achieve Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD).

The first SSBN ever built was launched in 1959, the USS George Washington, it carried 16 Polaris missiles.

It was immediately obvious to every nation that nobody knew where the George Washington was, and that no amount of satellite coverage could answer that question. It was therefore the ultimate counterstrike.

The ultimate counterstrike is the ultimate deterrent and that is what CASD achieves.

Below is inside the Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH) at BAE, Barrow-in-Furness where 3 nuclear submarines are being constructed side by side.

This is where the AUKUS submarines will be built. They will cost approximately $5 billion per boat.