In some respects, including speed and reactor technology, later Soviet submarines were, and remain, some of the world's best. Their primary shortcomings were insufficient noise damping (American boats were quieter) and sonar technology. The Soviets possessed numerous purpose-built guided missile submarines, such as the , as well as many ballistic missile submarines, such as the "Delta"-class submarines, and attack submarines, such as the "Victor" and . The Soviet Navy's "Typhoon"-class ballistic missile boats are the world's largest submarines. The Soviet attack submarine force was, like the rest of the navy, geared towards the forward intercept and destruction of US/NATO naval forces, especially American aircraft carrier battle groups.