The powerful submarine carrying American Tomahawk missiles comes close to North Korea

USS Michigan submarine carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, can attack targets from 1,600-2,500 km away.

Works on USS Michigan submarine.

The USS Michigan nuclear submarine (SSGN-727) today docked in Busan, South Korea, at the same time that North Korea celebrated its 85th anniversary. USS Michigan is scheduled to attend rehearsals near the Korean peninsula with the USS Carl Vinson and South Korean naval groups, Reuters reported.

USS Michigan is one of four ships belonging to Ohio's SSBN ballistic class which has been converted by the US Navy to carry the Tomahawk (TLAM) ground attack missile .

The original Ohio class nuclear submarine was equipped with 24 Trident I C4 nuclear warhead ballistic missiles, each with a range of 7,400 km, the equivalent of 53 atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima city.

After the end of the Cold War, the risk of nuclear confrontation between superpowers reduced, four Ohio-class submarines were dismantled with nuclear missiles and equipped with TLAM to enhance ground attack. These ships were renamed as cruise missile nuclear submarines (SSGN), USS Michigan also changed its number from SSBN-727 to SSGN-727.

USS Michigan ship arrives at Busan port.(Photo: US Navy.)

After conversion, USS Michigan brought 154 Tomahawk missiles in 22 out of 24 missile launchers, more than a surface water fleet. All of these missiles can be launched in series from underwater within 6 minutes. The $ 1.5 million Tomahawk missile, fitted with a warhead weighing 454 kg, has a range of about 1,600-2,500 km, navigating with a global positioning system (GPS).

The other two launchers were converted into special open doors to deploy more than 60 SEAL naval special forces. They are also used to launch unmanned submarines (UUV), SEAL submarines (SDVs), hydro-navigation buoys and other underwater sensors.

Unlike warships or fighters, the USS Michigan submarine could approach the shore of the enemy without being detected , launching the missile Tomahawk hit the target inland, then dived and escaped. In addition to avoid being hit back.

The mission of SSGN-727 is to oppress, destroy anti-aircraft missile systems and fight ships in the pre-emptive strike, paving the way for aircraft and surface ships to exploit holes in the enemy defense system. Cruise ship-equipped submarines like USS Michigan are an effective tool to counter the enemy's anti-penetration / regional (A2 / AD) strategy, said Sebastien Roblin, military expert.

USS Michigan cruise missile nuclear submarine.(Graphics: Naval Analyzer.)