Which class is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine?

Which class is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine?

• A. Kursk
• B. Varshavyanka
• C. Yasen
• D. Borei

Answer: (D)

This question tests understanding of submarine types by the missiles they carry. Ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) are built to deploy strategic missiles while submerged, forming part of a nation's nuclear deterrent. The Borei class is Russia’s line of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, designed to carry and launch ballistic missiles from its tubes, making it the Soviet/Russian SSBN answer in this list. The Kursk is an Oscar II-class submarine, which is a nuclear-powered cruise-missile submarine used for anti-ship and land-attack roles, not ballistic missiles. Varshavyanka refers to a diesel-electric attack submarine, not nuclear-powered. Yasen is a nuclear-powered attack submarine armed with cruise missiles, not ballistic missiles. Therefore, the class that matches a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine is Borei.

This question tests understanding of submarine types by the missiles they carry. Ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) are built to deploy strategic missiles while submerged, forming part of a nation's nuclear deterrent. The Borei class is Russia’s line of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, designed to carry and launch ballistic missiles from its tubes, making it the Soviet/Russian SSBN answer in this list. The Kursk is an Oscar II-class submarine, which is a nuclear-powered cruise-missile submarine used for anti-ship and land-attack roles, not ballistic missiles. Varshavyanka refers to a diesel-electric attack submarine, not nuclear-powered. Yasen is a nuclear-powered attack submarine armed with cruise missiles, not ballistic missiles. Therefore, the class that matches a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine is Borei.