"The hunt is on!" exclaimed internet users, as a screenshot from a global air traffic monitoring app highlighted activity off the southern coast of the United States. The Russian Navy has dispatched carriers of hypersonic Zircon and Kalibr missiles to Cuba, prompting close surveillance from the Pentagon. A key element of this deployment is the Yasen-M-class nuclear submarine Kazan.
In response, the U.S. Navy recently launched a P-8 Poseidon "submarine hunter" aircraft. Reports from the U.S. Civil Defense News X account indicated that this aircraft was searching for the Kazan, which is positioned 66 miles off the Florida coast and equipped with 4,500-km-range Kalibr-M missiles. This situation has been likened to a new Cuban Missile Crisis.
The U.S. Navy is collaborating with the Royal Canadian Navy in this search effort. To bolster the mission, Canada has deployed its Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft to work alongside the American P-8 Poseidon. Screenshots from air traffic tracking apps show these aircraft operating in specific areas, flying in circles to conduct their search. Official results of this operation have not yet been disclosed.
Previously, BulgarianMilitary.com reported that the Russian Navy’s frigate Admiral Gorshkov, along with the nuclear submarine Kazan, a tanker, and a tugboat, might have already arrived in Cuba. This display of power, including the deployment of Zircon missiles, is seen as a provocative move that could unsettle the U.S.
The U.S. response has been cautious but vigilant. Despite the proximity of Russia’s advanced vessels to the U.S. fleet, the situation remains tense. Analysts suggest that Russia's deployment of Zircon missile launchers to Cuba is a strategic move to gauge the response from Cuba and other allies. Although Cuba has maintained a neutral stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine, this deployment could influence the island nation.
The Kazan, a Yasen-M-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine, represents an advanced iteration of the original Yasen class with numerous technological upgrades. Measuring approximately 139 meters in length and 13 meters in beam, the Kazan is a formidable presence. Its nuclear propulsion system, powered by a single OK-650V reactor, allows for high speeds and extended operational ranges without frequent refueling. The submarine can dive to depths of around 600 meters and displaces approximately 13,800 tons when submerged, reflecting its robust construction and extensive armament.
With a crew of about 90 officers and enlisted personnel, the Kazan's missions include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and land-attack operations. It is equipped with advanced sonar arrays, electronic warfare systems, and integrated combat management systems, enhancing its situational awareness and combat effectiveness. The Kazan carries a range of weapons, including torpedoes and cruise missiles like Kalibr and Oniks, capable of striking sea and land targets with high precision.
The U.S. deployment of P-8 Poseidon and P-3 Orion aircraft off the coast of Florida is a strategic move to search for underwater threats. Both aircraft use advanced sonar systems, including active and passive sonar, to detect submarines. They deploy sonobuoys, small expendable sonar systems, to gather data transmitted back to the aircraft for analysis. Magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems further enhance their detection capabilities. The P-8 Poseidon, equipped with advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, can visually detect submarines near the surface. Data fusion and sophisticated algorithms integrate information from multiple sensors to accurately identify and track submarines in complex environments.
