US Navy Commander Details Rapid Expansion of Chinese and Russian Submarine Fleets

By ASR Newsdesk · 13 Nov 2026, 21:00 UTC

Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Forces, highlighted the rapid expansion and qualitative improvements in Chinese and Russian submarine fleets at the Navy Submarine League’s 2026 Annual Symposium. Cavanaugh noted China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is producing new nuclear fast-attack submarines at a high rate and is developing advanced guided missile and ballistic missile submarines. He also pointed to China's extensive undersea research and infrastructure buildup. Russia's threat profile includes new Borei-class SSBNs, Yasen-class SSGNs, and the Poseidon XLUUV, posing significant challenges to U.S. undersea domain awareness.