Extensive Russian submarine operation in North Atlantic: Norway
Russia has sent about 10 submarines into the North Atlantic in the largest such operation since the end of the Cold War, the Norwegian military said on 29 October.
Since last week, the Russian submarines – based on the Kola Peninsula in Russia's far north – have been dispatched for manoeuvres in the Atlantic Ocean, according to information from the Norwegian Intelligence Service, first reported by broadcaster NRK and later confirmed to AFP.
‘There's a lot of activity in the North Atlantic at the moment and Norway together with other NATO states are monitoring with air and surface capabilities,’ Brynjar Stordal, a spokesman for the Norwegian armed forces, told AFP.
This is the largest operation of its kind conducted by Russia ‘since the end of the Cold War by the number of assets operating at the same time,’ he added.
According to sources cited by NRK, the Russian submarines, which all left their base in submerged mode, are seeking to reach as far into the Atlantic as possible – ideally waters west of Greenland – without being detected.
The operation is planned to last about two months with the suspected goal ‘to show that they are able to threaten the east coast of the United States.’
‘Of course they're showing their capabilities both in numbers and as to what they can deploy at the same time,’ Stordal said.
On 26 October, Russian news agencies reported two nuclear submarines, Nizhny Novgorod and Pskov, were preparing for ‘deep dives to test certain equipment and weapons’ in the neutral waters of the Norwegian Sea.
‘During these dives, which will last a week, their crews will practice tactical procedures and different techniques for deep manoeuvres,’ according to a statement from the Russian North Fleet, quoted by the agencies.
The Norwegian Sea has depths of several thousand meters, unlike the Barents Sea outside the Russian port of Murmansk which only has an average depth of about 200 metres.
According to Russian media the two submarines are so called Kondor-class – or Sierra-class – multipurpose subs, which are equipped to launch cruise missiles and designed to detect and destroy enemy air and sea targets.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How will the Canadian Coast Guard’s transfer to the DND umbrella affect its capabilities?]()
How will the Canadian Coast Guard’s transfer to the DND umbrella affect its capabilities?
By joining the defence department, the coast guard will need to acquire new solutions and adapt its in-service capabilities to ensure interoperability with the Canadian Armed Forces.
-
![UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration]()
UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration
The Type 26 will also be fitted with the Sea Ceptor vertically launched air defence system that can fire CAMM missiles and a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system that can fire the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, anti-submarine rockets and long-range anti-ship missiles.
-
![Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026]()
Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026
While the first Joint Support Ship is currently in the final stages of outfitting, the second one is on schedule for launching next year.
-
![Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?]()
Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?
South Korean shipbuilders are beginning to make their mark beyond Asia, competing for major North American and European submarine programmes and becoming serious contenders on a global scale.
-
![AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official]()
AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.
