Which class of submarines was replaced by nuclear submarines?

The class of submarines that was primarily replaced by nuclear submarines is the diesel submarines. Diesel submarines were traditionally used for their simplicity and effectiveness in underwater operations, but they rely on diesel engines that require them to surface or use snorkels to recharge batteries. This limits their operational range and endurance compared to nuclear-powered submarines.

Nuclear submarines utilize nuclear reactors to generate power, allowing them to operate submerged for extended periods without needing to surface. This capability enables them to remain at sea much longer and operate stealthily, making them more suitable for modern naval warfare. The shift to nuclear submarines represented a significant advancement in submarine technology, providing increased speed, endurance, and operational flexibility, which rendered diesel submarines less favored for strategic roles in naval forces.

Other classes, such as ballistic submarines, attack submarines, and littoral submarines, serve different tactical roles and were not directly replaced by nuclear counterparts. Ballistic submarines continue to perform a strategic deterrence role, while attack submarines can utilize both power types for varied missions. Littoral submarines are designed specifically for operations in shallow waters and coastal regions, again demonstrating the diverse purposes each submarine type fulfills in naval operations.