Russia's military presence near Norway has intensified with the deployment of the Arkhangelsk, its latest Yasen-M class submarine, positioned just 60 kilometers from NATO territory at the Zapadnaya Litsa naval base on the Kola Peninsula. This move indicates Moscow's commitment to strengthening its naval capabilities amid increasing tensions with the West, particularly NATO.
On Thursday, Admiral Aleksandr Moiseev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, heralded this milestone, stating, "Today is a significant day for the entire Navy." The Arkhangelsk is notable not just for its proximity to Norway but also for being part of Russia's advanced Yasen-M class, which boasts cutting-edge technology and formidable weaponry.
The Yasen-M submarines can carry both Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles. More critically, they are capable of being armed with Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missiles, positioning them as key players in Russia's naval arms race with NATO. Admiral Moiseev remarked, "The Yasen-M class can carry Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles, but more important for the navy is arming these new submarines with the Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missiles." This capability allows the Arkhangelsk to potentially reach targets throughout the Norwegian Sea north of the Arctic Circle.
The submarine was rolled out of the ship hall at the Sevmash shipyard last November and has spent the past 13 months undergoing rigorous sea trials, including arms tests. A notable part of its weapon system is the Tsirkon missile, which has already been tested from the Yasen-class submarine Severodvinsk since October 2021. This missile reportedly reaches speeds of Mach 9, making it extremely difficult for current air defense systems to intercept.
While Russia flaunts the technical prowess of the Tsirkon missile, reports earlier this year indicate vulnerabilities, including the potential for these missiles to be shot down, as alleged instances during the conflict with Ukraine showed.
The primary role of the Arkhangelsk and its counterparts is not just offensive operations but also anti-submarine warfare, maintaining surveillance over NATO submarines believed to threaten Russia's nuclear-capable vessels. The Russian Northern Fleet intends to grow its Yasen-M fleet to 12 vessels, with half of them stationed at the Northern Fleet base where the Arkhangelsk has settled.
Zapadnaya Litsa serves as Russia's westernmost naval base, strategically important during the Cold War as well as today, highlighting the historical significance of the Arkhangelsk name itself—echoing the Cold War's nuclear submarine era.
Despite its historic roots, the Arkhangelsk signifies Russia's forward stance, showcasing its military readiness in the face of perceived NATO threats. With military maneuvers extending across the Arctic and Northern seas, the deployment signals to NATO allies and Russia's neighbors, particularly Norway, the seriousness with which Moscow regards its naval operations.
This escalation of military posturing also raises questions about stability and security dynamics within the Arctic region, where Russia's assertiveness contrasts with the NATO military focus. The Arkhangelsk is set to operate alongside other advanced ships as part of the Northern Fleet, which is working to modernize its forces amid heightened scrutiny from Western military analysts.
The emphasis on submarine capabilities underlines Russia's strategy to dominate both conventional and unconventional warfare approaches, exemplifying their drive toward technological advancements. With the international focus shifting toward Arctic shipping routes and energy resources, the presence of advanced military assets like the Arkhangelsk serves dual purposes—defense and deterrence.
Looking forward, the effectiveness and roles of such submarines will likely be pivotal as geopolitical tensions simmer. The Arkhangelsk will not only act defensively but could play roles offensively if Moscow perceives its interests threatened. Reasons behind Russia’s continued investment and development of its submarine fleet are clear: control over Arctic it considers to be its backyard, where it has significant economic interests.
Overall, the deployment of the Arkhangelsk demonstrates not only Russia's assertion of territorial claims but also the strategic recalculations developing within the increasingly contested waters near Norway, setting the stage for potential confrontations or shifts within Arctic geopolitics.
