Submarines can patrol and defend strategic chokepoints, such as sea lanes and straits, making it difficult for enemy ships to pass through. By controlling these vital access points, submarines can limit the enemy's ability to operate at sea and project power in key regions. Submarines are also valuable assets in naval warfare, where they can be used to protect surface ships, convoy merchant vessels, and conduct anti-submarine warfare operations. Submarines can provide a protective screen around friendly ships, detect and track enemy submarines, and engage hostile forces when necessary. This defensive capability is critical in modern naval operations, where the threat of submarine attacks looms large.