Conqueror

British submarine

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June 24, 2026

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The HMS Conqueror was a British nuclear submarine that gained prominence during the Falkland Islands conflict in 1982. It demonstrated the revolutionary capabilities of nuclear submarines by successfully tracking and sinking the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano over a period of more than 48 hours. This feat highlighted the advantage of nuclear power, which allows submarines to operate submerged at high speeds indefinitely without the limitations of battery power that constrained earlier diesel-electric submarines. This enabled commanders to maneuver freely and maintain pursuit of fast surface vessels, a capability previously unattainable.12

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naval warfare
The age of the guided missile
…a nuclear-powered attack submarine (HMS Conqueror) on May 2 but, less obviously, in the harrying of the whole British fleet by one Argentine diesel-electric submarine. Second, the nature, if not the full extent, of the threat of modern air-launched antiship missiles was seen in two Argentine attacks, first against the…
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…a nuclear-powered attack submarine (HMS Conqueror) on May 2 but, less obviously, in the harrying of the whole British fleet by one Argentine diesel-electric submarine. Second, the nature, if not the full extent, of the threat of modern air-launched antiship missiles was seen in two Argentine attacks, first against the…
Read More