Elbridge Colby Calls US Submarines Indispensable for Pacific Deterrence

Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby described United States Navy submarines as an indispensable asset for deterring adversaries in the Pacific. Speaking to the Naval Submarine League on Thursday, Colby stated that the undersea domain holds strategic value as sea surfaces become more observable and contested.

Colby emphasized that the silent service is critical for denying adversaries control of the first island chain, which includes Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. He noted that attack submarines undermine the confidence of geopolitical rivals who may seek quick military victories in maritime operations.

These remarks precede a scheduled meeting in Shenzhen, China, between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The two leaders are set to meet on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.