Astute: The Royal Navy Has Submarines as 'Quiet as a Dolphin'

The Astute class are among the most capable submarines in service today.

Each boat is equipped with world-leading sensors, carries Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, and can circumnavigate the globe submerged, producing its own oxygen and drinking water.

Only the U.S. Navy can match these underwater warships. 

As noted by naval analyst H I Sutton, the Astute-class subs are the only ones outside the U.S. Navy able to launch the Tomahawk, a capability that truly sets them apart.