Russian Navy Demonstrates Submarine Strength with Baltic Sea Training Exercises Amidst Rising NATO Tensions

 Despite the challenges of the Ukraine War, the Russian Navy continues to demonstrate its strength through its submarine fleet. Recently, the submarines "Novorossiysk" and "Dmitrov" participated in a training exercise in the Baltic Sea, as reported by the state news agency TASS. The Russian Navy announced that the diesel-electric submarines showcased their capabilities during this exercise. The press release stated: “In the Baltic Sea, after anti-submarine exercises, the ‘Novorossiysk’ crew performed a torpedo attack using practice ammunition [without a warhead].”

During the exercise, the submarines engaged in combat scenarios against each other, practicing maneuvers to evade enemy attacks and enhance intra-ship operations during both training and combat tasks. The crews also conducted drills to detect and track submarines representing a hypothetical enemy. After the torpedo-launching exercise, the submariners continued their planned combat training in the Baltic Sea.

These drills are critical due to the increasing tensions between Russia and NATO in the Baltic region. Recently, Russia attempted to alter the maritime border in the eastern Baltic Sea, escalating tensions with NATO, though the plan was later retracted.

 Commons Russia uses its submarines to project power and send messages to its rivals. This was evident when Russia's nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, along with other ships, conducted a military drill in the Caribbean and approached the US coast. During its journey from Norway to Cuba, the Russian group, led by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles, was closely monitored by a NATO P-8 ‘Poseidon’ anti-submarine aircraft. The submarine was also spotted near Scotland’s west coast en route to Cuba, near the HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane, home to the UK’s nuclear submarines and other Royal Navy ships.

Western nations, including the United States, dismissed concerns about the nearby Russian submarine, though its close presence raised fears of potential espionage. This port visit occurred as the U.S. closely monitored rising tensions in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with NATO increasing its involvement. The mere 90-mile gap between Cuba and the U.S. did not help ease these fears.

"Novorossiysk" and "Dmitrov" are significant submarines in the Russian naval fleet, each with unique features. "Novorossiysk" is part of the Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class (Improved Kilo-class) submarines, while "Dmitrov" belongs to the older Project 877 Paltus (Kilo-class) submarines. Both are diesel-electric attack submarines but differ in size, technology, and weaponry.

"Novorossiysk" measures about 73.8 meters (242 feet) in length, with a beam of 9.9 meters (32 feet) and a draft of 6.2 meters (20 feet), displacing around 3,950 tons when submerged. It is powered by two diesel generators and an electric motor, allowing speeds up to 20 knots underwater and 17 knots on the surface. Its operational depth is around 300 meters (984 feet) with a maximum depth of 400 meters (1,312 feet). The submarine is equipped with advanced sonar, including the MGK-400EM sonar suite, modern navigation and combat systems, and carries various weapons, such as 18 torpedoes and Kalibr cruise missiles launched from six 533mm torpedo tubes.

"Dmitrov" is slightly smaller, measuring 72.6 meters (238 feet) in length, with a beam of 9.9 meters (32 feet) and a draft of 6.2 meters (20 feet), displacing about 3,076 tons when submerged. It is also powered by two diesel generators and an electric motor, allowing speeds of up to 17 knots underwater and 10 knots on the surface. It operates at depths of around 240 meters (787 feet) and can go as deep as 300 meters (984 feet). While "Dmitrov" has good sensors and combat systems, it lacks the ability to launch cruise missiles like "Novorossiysk," limiting its modern combat capabilities.

In summary, both "Novorossiysk" and "Dmitrov" are diesel-electric attack submarines, with "Novorossiysk" being more modern and powerful due to its advanced sonar, navigation, and combat systems, as well as the ability to launch Kalibr cruise missiles. "Dmitrov" is smaller and older but still capable, with reliable sonar and torpedoes. These differences illustrate the evolution of Russian submarine technology and the distinct roles these submarines play in the navy.

USS Helena and Canadian Navy Patrol Ship Arrive in Cuba Amid Russian Naval Presence

 

The USS Helena, a high-speed attack submarine, has docked at Guantanamo Bay, as announced by the U.S. Southern Command on the social network X. This move coincides with Russian Navy ships visiting Cuba.

“The fast attack submarine USS Helena is currently at Guantanamo Bay as part of a routine visit. This area falls within the U.S. Southern Command’s jurisdiction. […] The location and transit of the ship were planned in advance,” states the official release.

However, the Associated Press suggests that the USS Helena’s arrival serves as a “show of force” amid the Russian warships’ presence. Additional US Navy ships are monitoring the Russian vessels, which, according to Pentagon officials, do not pose a threat to the United States.

On June 12, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its naval fleet, including the frigate “Admiral Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the medium sea tanker “Akademik Pashin,” and the rescue tug “Nikolay Chiker,” had completed high-precision weapons exercises and arrived at the port of Havana. These vessels will remain in Havana until June 17.

Social media buzzed with the phrase “The hunt is on!” alongside screenshots from global air traffic monitoring apps, highlighting areas off the southern coast of the United States. Following the arrival of the Russian Northern Fleet in Cuba, the U.S. Navy deployed P-8 Poseidon “submarine hunter” aircraft on June 10 and 11 to search for a rogue Russian submarine reportedly 66 miles off the coast of Florida.

American experts noted close cooperation with the Royal Canadian Navy in search operations, with Ottawa deploying Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft to complement the American P-8 Poseidons. Screenshots from air traffic tracking apps revealed these planes circling within a specific quadrant, conducting search missions. Official details on the outcome of this Canadian-American naval search are still pending.

The USS Helena [SSN-725], a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, has been in service since 1987. It measures 360 feet in length, 33 feet in beam width, and has a draft of approximately 32 feet. Powered by a single S6G nuclear reactor, the USS Helena can achieve submerged speeds of over 25 knots. The submarine's crew consists of about 140 individuals, including officers and enlisted sailors.

The USS Helena features advanced systems for detection, navigation, electronic warfare, and communication. Its firepower includes 12 vertical launch system [VLS] tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles and four 21-inch [533 mm] torpedo tubes capable of firing Mk-48 torpedoes. The submarine's nuclear propulsion provides a virtually unlimited operational range, limited primarily by factors such as food supplies and crew endurance.

Meanwhile, a Canadian navy patrol ship, the Margaret Brooke, arrived in Havana on Friday, just hours after the USS Helena docked at Guantanamo. This convergence of Russian, Canadian, and U.S. vessels in Cuba—located just 160 km (100 miles) from Florida—recalls Cold War tensions and highlights current strained ties over the Ukraine war. However, both the U.S. and Cuba have stated that the Russian warships pose no threat to the region, with Russia describing their arrival as routine.

The Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, part of Russia's naval fleet, arrived in Havana harbor on Wednesday after conducting missile training in the Atlantic Ocean. Canada’s Margaret Brooke patrol vessel began maneuvers in Havana harbor, with Canadian officials describing the visit as routine and unrelated to the Russian ships' presence.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questioned the West’s concern over the warships, noting that diplomatic signals from Russia often go unnoticed by Western nations.

The Russian warships are expected to remain in Havana harbor until June 17.

Russian Kazan Submarine Conducts Military Drills Near US Waters Amid Rising Tensions

The Russian missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the nuclear-powered Yasen-class cruise missile submarine Kazan recently conducted military exercises near Cuba, signaling to the West amid escalating tensions. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on June 11 that these vessels were practicing the use of high-precision missile weapons in the Atlantic Ocean.

According to the Ministry, the tactical strike group, comprising the Kazan submarine and the Admiral Gorshkov frigate from the Northern Fleet, performed exercises targeting marine enemies over 600 kilometers away using computer simulations.

These drills coincided with Russia starting the second phase of tactical nuclear exercises with Belarus. Russian state media emphasized these maneuvers as a demonstration of Russia's global influence, countering Western views of its waning power. Reports indicate that the Russian flotilla was monitored by US and allied forces as it moved towards the Caribbean, at times nearing 30-90 miles from Florida.

The Russian vessels were welcomed in Cuba on June 12 for naval exercises set to last until June 17, emphasizing the historical friendship between the two nations. Despite the nuclear capabilities of these ships, Cuba clarified that they would not be armed with nuclear weapons during their stay. The US has stated that these exercises pose no direct threat.

This is not the first instance of Russian-Cuban military collaboration, with annual drills occurring from 2013 to 2020. Analysts note that the presence of the Kazan submarine, known for its stealth, could increase tensions despite US assurances. The Yasen-class submarines, including Kazan, are among the quietest and most sophisticated in the world, enhancing Russia’s defensive and deterrence capabilities.

Kazan, a Yasen-class submarine, is praised for its advanced technology and quiet operation, rivaling the US's modern submarine fleet. Designed by the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau and built by Sevmash Shipyard, the 13,800-ton vessel features a quieter nuclear reactor, additional sensors, and new quieting technologies. It is capable of carrying a range of missiles, including hypersonic ones, and can target enemy submarines, ships, ports, and naval bases.

US officials have acknowledged the increasing deployment of these submarines near US waters. Gen. Glen VanHerc of USNORTHCOM noted that Russia's Yasen-class submarines have been operating more frequently in both the Atlantic and the Pacific, posing a growing threat.

While the current exercises with Cuba are downplayed by US officials, military analysts express concerns about potential electronic warfare and intelligence gathering by hostile submarines. The deployment of Yasen-class submarines like Kazan in strategic locations could pose significant risks to the security of the US and its allies in Europe. 

US P-8 Poseidon Searches for Russian Submarine Near Florida Amid Rising Tensions

 "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.

US Navy Enhances Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrence Amid China Tensions

 

The United States is boosting its nuclear deterrence by developing sea-based nuclear cruise missiles to counter threats from China and Russia. This initiative comes as tensions with these adversaries escalate.

Currently, the U.S. nuclear triad includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), air-launched cruise missiles, and sea-based weapons. However, the Pentagon is now focusing on enhancing its sea-based nuclear capabilities to ensure a reliable second-strike option, crucial if land-based and air-launched systems are compromised in a first strike.

Navy Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr., Director for Strategic Systems, testified before the Senate Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee, emphasizing the deterrent role of ballistic missile submarines, which remain on alert and undetectable. This capability ensures the U.S. can retaliate effectively if attacked.

Alongside Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, Vice Adm. Wolfe detailed the modernization efforts of the Navy's nuclear triad, highlighting the new sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N). This missile is designed to be launched from attack submarines and surface vessels, rather than just ballistic missile submarines.

Wolfe pointed out the challenges of reviving the industrial base needed for SLCM-N production and the significant investments required for concurrent nuclear modernization programs. The SLCM-N aims to counter the expanding nuclear arsenals of Russia and China, with Russia possessing nearly a thousand tactical nuclear weapons and China having around 500 nuclear warheads.

A previous Pentagon report noted that China's Jin-class ballistic missile submarines, equipped with JL-3 missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, are conducting near-continuous patrols in the South China Sea, posing a significant threat to U.S. security.

The introduction of the SLCM-N marks the first new U.S. nuclear weapon since the end of the Cold War, signaling to adversaries that the U.S. remains capable of responding to any nuclear threat. This development is essential for maintaining strategic stability and deterring potential nuclear attacks.

Vice Adm. Wolfe stressed the need for investments in infrastructure, human capital, and the industrial base to achieve nuclear modernization. He highlighted the necessity of balancing the SLCM-N program with ongoing Navy initiatives and the importance of continued support from Congress to deliver a reliable sea-based strategic deterrent capability.

As the U.S. transitions from Ohio-class to Columbia-class submarines, maintaining the current missile inventory and ensuring a seamless transition between the classes are critical priorities.

Sen. Deb Fischer emphasized the need for diverse deterrence options, and Wolfe concurred, noting that nuclear modernization requires careful planning and time to balance various operational needs and strategic goals.