Which submarine platform is specifically designated as a ballistic missile submarine?

The designation for a ballistic missile submarine is SSBN, which stands for "Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear." This classification is specifically assigned to submarines designed to carry and launch ballistic missiles, which are primarily used for strategic military purposes. The SSBNs provide a key element of nuclear deterrence because they can remain hidden underwater for long periods, making them a crucial component of a nation's nuclear triad.

The key distinguishing feature of SSBNs is their capability to launch nuclear weapons from stealthy and secure locations, contributing to the balance of power in nuclear strategy. They differ from other submarine types, such as the fast attack submarines (which are classified as SSN) that focus on anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and other non-ballistic missions, or SSGNs, which are guided missile submarines with capabilities for launching cruise missiles. Thus, the specificity of the SSBN designation makes it the accurate choice for identifying a ballistic missile submarine.