Russian Nuclear Submarines Massing Alarmingly Close—Just 60km from Norway’s Border

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – In early March, high-resolution satellite imagery captured a notable surge in activity at Russia’s strategically critical Zapadnaya Litsa naval base on the Kola Peninsula, revealing the presence of five sophisticated nucleat submarines from the formidable Northern Fleet.

Located merely 60 kilometers from Norway’s maritime border, this facility serves as a frontline bastion for Russia’s Arctic ambitions.

Among the submarines spotted were three Oscar II-class (Project 949A Antey-class) missile carriers, one Yasen-class attack submarine, and an advanced Yasen-M-class nuclear-powered vessel.

The strategic positioning of these elite maritime assets underscores Moscow’s intensifying commitment to securing dominance in the Arctic, a region increasingly pivotal due to its vast hydrocarbon reserves, fisheries, and the emerging navigational possibilities facilitated by melting sea ice driven by climate change.

The Oscar II-class submarines, each weighing approximately 24,000 tons, are specifically tailored for strategic maritime warfare, capable of launching devastating anti-ship cruise missile strikes against NATO naval assets, particularly carrier battle groups.

Each vessel, measuring 155 meters in length and manned by a crew of 107, is equipped with 24 SS-N-19 Granit cruise missiles (NATO codename: “Shipwreck”), renowned for their substantial operational range of 550 kilometers, supersonic speed of Mach 1.5, and destructive warheads weighing around 1,000 kilograms.

Such capabilities render these missiles highly effective in penetrating advanced naval air defense systems.

Equally imposing are the Yasen and Yasen-M-class nuclear-powered submarines, designed for a multitude of maritime combat roles, from anti-submarine warfare to precision land-attack missions.

The integration of hypersonic weapons, particularly the “Tsirkon” missile capable of achieving speeds up to Mach 9 and striking targets 1,000 kilometers away, significantly amplifies their strategic lethality.

The Yasen-M-class submarines are especially feared by Western defense strategists due to their exceptionally silent propulsion systems, which drastically complicate detection and tracking by NATO’s advanced anti-submarine warfare assets.

Currently, Russia operates four Yasen-M-class vessels: K-560 Severodvinsk (commissioned in 2013, Northern Fleet), K-561 Kazan (2021, Northern Fleet), K-573 Novosibirsk (2021, Pacific Fleet), and K-571 Krasnoyarsk (2023, Pacific Fleet).

Each submarine boasts an array of sophisticated armaments, including Kalibr cruise missiles, P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles, and advanced torpedoes, positioning them as versatile and formidable platforms capable of significantly altering the balance of naval power in contested waters.

Zapadnaya Litsa itself represents a critical strategic node, featuring four main operational complexes: Malaya Lopatka, Andreyeva Bay, Bolshaya Lopatka, and Nerpichya.

These facilities provide comprehensive support for Russia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, encompassing berthing, extensive maintenance, and operational logistics.

The base’s proximity—just 45 kilometers—to Norwegian territory highlights the underlying geopolitical tension, as Russia continues to project strength and assert its interests across the strategically vital Arctic maritime domain.

The continued deployment and modernization of these submarine assets by Russia not only mark a significant step in Moscow’s quest for maritime supremacy but also reflect broader strategic implications for NATO, notably Norway.

The Norwegian military, serving as a critical component of NATO’s North Atlantic defense strategy, increasingly views these Russian submarine maneuvers with apprehension, signaling potential escalations in regional tension and prompting enhanced vigilance and preparedness within the alliance.

The stealth and sophistication of the Yasen-class submarines, designated Severodvinsk-class by NATO, have been underscored by past operational achievements.

In 2018, reports surfaced of the lead submarine, Severodvinsk, successfully evading detection by U.S. anti-submarine platforms over an extended period, highlighting vulnerabilities in Western underwater surveillance capabilities and amplifying NATO’s concerns regarding its maritime security posture in the strategically vital North Atlantic and Arctic theaters.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA