Is USSOCOM missing a trick with semi-submersibles?

29th October 2021 - 16:00 GMT | by Peter Ong in California

RSS

The Stidd MRCC (top left in surface mode and top right submerged), Armacraft Trident Mk1 (bottom left) and Armacraft Trident Mk2 (bottom right) are examples of semi-submersible craft. (Photos: Stidd/Armacraft)

Semi-submersible craft could present opportunities for USSOCOM in covert operations.

Semi-submersibles could prove to be a crucial enabler for SOF to conduct stealthy infiltration in littoral waters — but it appears that US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has no specific requirement in place for dual-function craft that can operate on the surface or dive and propel underwater.

Is USSOCOM missing an opportunity? Mark Cancian, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), offered Shephard his insight on possible semi-submersible usage.

‘Semi-submersibles have received a lot of attention because of their stealthiness and simplicity, not having the complexity of a full submarine. Given SOCOM's interest in covert

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Read this Article

Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account

Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
2 free stories per week
Daily news round-up email service
Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters

Create account

Unlimited Access

Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.

Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
Unlimited access to all published premium news

Start your free trial

Author

Peter Ong

Peter is a US-based writer who specialises in covering naval and maritime industries.

Read full bio

More from Naval Warfare

Denmark commits to three new Arctic vessels in light of Trump’s Greenland comments

The vessels have been a necessity for years, but now Denmark is planning a stronger Arctic presence.
UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships

The news of the upgrade comes just a week after UK Royal Navy (RN) vessels escorted a Russian spy ship out of the English Channel.
Was acquiring the Aiviq polar vessel the right choice for the US Coast Guard?

Previous structural and mechanical issues in the 20-plus year icebreaker might represent challenges for the service.
Last Astute-class submarine renamed HMS Achilles

The submarine was due to be named HMS Agincourt, but will now follow HMS Agamemnon's lead, being named after a warrior from the Iliad.
Rolls-Royce seals £9 billion deal with UK government on submarine support

The deal will boost the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ and deliver on its nuclear triple-lock commitment.
Chinese Navy commissions first Type 054B frigate

The commissioning comes just two years after the modules for the hull were first seen – and the US is watching.