Russian nuclear submarine spotted off Italy - experts speculate about boat type
Created: 07/09/2022, 05:05
By: Yasina Hipp
This modern Severodvinsk-class nuclear submarine presented to Russia in St. Petersburg.
© IMAGO/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin Pool
Nuclear submarines are seen as the Russians' ace up their sleeve in the Ukraine war.
Now one of them even seems to be in the Mediterranean Sea.
Rome - The Bosphorus is the strait between the continents of Europe and Asia.
At the same time, it connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea - the two seas meet in Istanbul.
Apparently, this route of communication is also particularly important for Russian forces under water.
In view of the Ukraine war, Russia has probably not only increased its navy in the Black Sea, but also in the Mediterranean.
This hitherto little-known augmentation is seen as a perimeter defense for the Black Sea operation.
A nuclear submarine has now apparently strengthened the Russian Mediterranean fleet.
War in Ukraine: Relocation of a Russian cruiser as a possible diversionary maneuver
The news portal
Navalnews.com
reports clear indications that a Russian attack submarine or cruise missile submarine is underway near Italy.
Apparently it is not known what type of submarine it is exactly.
However, the most obvious explanation, according to experts, is that the boat will replace the Slava-class cruiser Marshal Ustinov, which left the Mediterranean on August 24.
The "Ustinov" is now cruising between the United Kingdom and Ireland - possibly as a diversion to meanwhile smuggle the submarine into the Mediterranean.
Not only the experts from
Navalnews.com
have become aware of the Russian undersea activities, NATO is also already keeping an eye on the submarine.
Different types of Russian nuclear submarines
Three different submarine types are apparently suitable for what has now been sighted.
According to
Navalnews.com
, it could be a nuclear-powered attack submarine ("SSN").
The main type of Russian armed forces is the so-called Akula class, but there are also the Sierra-I/II and Victor-III classes.
The second type that would be possible is an Oscar II class cruise missile submarine ("SSGN").
These boats are armed with 24 powerful supersonic anti-ship missiles.
Finally, it could also be one of the Russian Navy's latest Severodvinsk-class SSGNs.
These carry much more modern cruise missiles, which can be used not only for ship defense, but also for land attacks.
Possible Russian submarine types in the Mediterranean
Akula, Sierra, or Victor-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (“SSN”)
Oscar II Class ("SSGN") cruise missile submarine armed with supersonic anti-ship missiles
New Severodvinsk-class ("SSGN") cruise-missile submarine armed with modern cruise missiles
NATO and the analysts from Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) are closely monitoring Russian undersea activities in the Mediterranean.
More and more information about the mysterious submarine may then come to the surface.
