Russia announced progress on its advanced nuclear submarine fleet, intensifying concerns over rising tensions with NATO amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Newsweek reported.
The announcement comes as new submarines are prepared for deployment in the Russian Navy, signaling a strategic focus on enhancing maritime capabilities.
Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, friction between NATO and Moscow has surged. NATO leaders have increasingly warned of the risk of direct conflict with Russia, which has repeatedly issued nuclear threats since the start of its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin intensified nuclear rhetoric following the United States' decision to provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles, enabling strikes within Russian territory. In response, Moscow updated its nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for the use of atomic weapons.
Adding to the tension, NATO members, including Germany and the Baltic states, have accused Russia of engaging in hybrid attacks. Concerns persist that Russia might turn its attention to NATO countries after the conflict in Ukraine.
According to Russian state news agency Tass, Mikhail Budnichenko, CEO of Sevmash Shipyard, announced that trials for the Project 885M (Yasen-M) Arkhangelsk nuclear-powered submarine are nearing completion.
"The Arkhangelsk submarine successfully went through all trial phases and is being prepared for delivery to the Navy," he said. Another submarine, Knyaz Pozharsky, is also undergoing trials.
The update follows comments from Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, who confirmed the imminent addition of these submarines to the fleet.
"Soon, the Navy will receive the Arkhangelsk cruiser. The Knyaz Pozharsky nuclear submarine cruiser will also join our submarine forces soon," Moiseyev said during a visit to Severodvinsk.
Project 885 and 885M submarines, including the Severodvinsk, Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Krasnoyarsk, are already operational in the Russian Navy. Armed with Oniks and Kalibr-PL cruise missiles, these submarines are considered among the most advanced in Russia's arsenal.
In a related development, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Andrei Belousov warned of a potential conflict with NATO within the next decade.
"Decisions made at the NATO summit in July indicate that Moscow must be prepared for any development, including a possible military conflict in Europe," Belousov said at a defense ministry meeting.
The Pentagon dismissed Belousov's remarks as "irresponsible, escalatory rhetoric." Javan Rasnake, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, reiterated that "the United States and NATO do not seek military conflict with Russia."
According to Tass, the Sevmash Shipyard in northwestern Russia is also working on five additional submarines under Project 885M.
These developments occur alongside NATO's intensified coordination of military aid to Ukraine, a move seen as an effort to safeguard support mechanisms amid uncertainties over the incoming U.S. administration's stance on the conflict.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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