Underwater Warfare: The Key Role Of Submarines During The Cold War

Following WWII, both the US and the USSR developed advanced submarines, leading to an arms race that included nuclear-powered subs capable of extended underwater operations and carrying ballistic missiles, significantly increasing the stakes of underwater warfare.

The US established the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) to detect Soviet submarines, gaining a significant intelligence advantage. The Soviets lacked a comparable system, resulting in a significant imbalance in submarine tracking capabilities.

Several key events highlighted the peril of Cold War submarine operations, such as the malfunction on Soviet sub K3, the sinking of K129, and the complex salvage operation of the latter by the US. These incidents often involved significant risks and controversies, including covert intelligence and military operations.

From the World Wars and the atomic bomb to the Space Race and digital revolution, The Modern Age explores the world-changing events and people of the 20th century. Every week we’ll be bringing you award-winning documentaries that journey into the century that defined our way of life.

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