U-Boat (submarine)

A U-boat is a German submarine used primarily during the World Wars. The term originates from the German "Unterseeboot," meaning "undersea boat." U-boats are stealthy vessels designed to operate underwater for extended periods, making them effective for reconnaissance, attacking enemy ships, and disrupting supply lines. They use torpedoes and sometimes deck guns to engage targets. Their submerged nature makes them difficult to detect, posing significant threats to naval and merchant vessels. U-boats played a crucial role in naval warfare, especially during WWII, influencing strategies and impacting maritime control.