Fast attack submarines are designed to pursue and attack enemy submarines and surface ships using torpedoes. They also carry cruise missiles with conventional high-explosive warheads to attack enemy shore facilities. Fast attack submarines launched cruise missiles against targets in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and targets in Serbia during the conflict in Kosovo. They also conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, lay mines, and support special operations, among other types of classified operations. Submarines use specialized radios and antennae that can communicate with shore bases and other ships, either directly or through a satellite.
Submariners can use their specialized radios either to talk or send written messages.