Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines are regarded as some of the most formidable weapons ever developed. This reputation is well-deserved for several reasons.To begin with, their nuclear power allows them to remain hidden in the vast oceans for virtually unlimited periods, making them exceptionally difficult to detect. This capability prevents enemies from eliminating them with a preemptive strike, which is why they are considered the most resilient component of a nuclear triad.Secondly, these pack nuclear-tipped missiles making them the most lethal offensive platform. Through these, a second-strike option is guaranteed which is the greatest deterrence for the enemy. Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines are very complex and costly to develop. Designing a nuclear reactor in itself is complicated and developing a reactor, which can fit and be safely operated in a vessel that will remain underwater, is a daunting engineering challenge. This is why the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, and India are currently the only countries to field a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. In this video, Defense Updates lists the top 6 nuclear ballistic missile submarines in the world