Arctic icefield turns into host to RuNavy underwater navigation

Perceiving the Arctic as a essential level for its protection technique, Russia is now directing its Navy to kick-start coaching for underwater navigation beneath the Arctic ice cap. This order has been forwarded to the Northern Fleet of the Russian Federation. 

Picture credit score: Wikipedia

Scheduled for 2024, these hands-on workouts are principally focused on the Russian Northern Fleet’s nuclear submarines. As acknowledged by sources quoting the fleet’s press service, this system encompasses an intensive number of theoretical and sensible coaching, all geared in direction of a higher grasp of navigating below the Arctic ice. 

The Russian Federation’s Ministry of Protection has formally declared these theoretical and sensible workouts to happen throughout the winter season of 2024. The press launch highlighted, “Navigating beneath the ice will grow to be one of many pivotal duties for the submariners of the Northern Fleet in 2024.”

US Navy will block the 'Russian Arctic' to prevent an attack
Picture credit score: US Navy

Underneath the ‘Arctic Ice Area’

BulgarianMilitary.com requested a Russian professional, a retired officer from the fleet of the Russian Federation, and requested him to clarify the essence of the deliberate coaching.

Based on him, to start with, the coaching includes studying in regards to the distinctive traits of the Arctic atmosphere. This contains understanding the ice thickness, the patterns of ice drift, and the impression of climate circumstances on ice formation.

Poseidon's carrier has a hull from the never-completed Oscar-II sub
Picture credit score: EurAsian Occasions

Subsequent, trainees work on growing their navigation abilities. This includes studying methods to use sonar methods and different navigational instruments to detect and keep away from underwater obstacles, together with ice keels that reach downwards from the ice cap. In addition they apply navigating in circumstances of restricted visibility, which is a typical problem within the Arctic.

One other key side of the coaching is studying methods to handle emergencies. This contains practising evacuation procedures within the occasion of a submarine malfunction, in addition to studying methods to cope with potential hazards reminiscent of ice stress or quickly altering climate circumstances.

Lastly, the coaching additionally includes workouts to enhance the crew’s endurance and resilience. Working a submarine below the Arctic ice is bodily and mentally demanding, and these workouts assist put together the crew for the cruel circumstances and lengthy durations of isolation.

Russian Kilo-class submarines fired torpedoes in the Black Sea
Picture credit score: Russian MoD

The Northern fleet

The Russian Northern Fleet is a major factor of the Russian Navy, and it boasts a considerable variety of nuclear submarines. The Borei-class submarines are some of the superior within the Russian Northern Fleet. These are fourth-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. At present, there are 4 operational Borei-class submarines: Yury Dolgorukiy, Alexander Nevsky, Vladimir Monomakh, and Knyaz Vladimir.

One other important class is the Delta IV, that are nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. There are six operational Delta IV submarines, together with Tula, Bryansk, Karelia, Novomoskovsk, Verkhoturye, and Ekaterinburg. The Oscar II class is a collection of nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines. There are two operational Oscar II class submarines within the Northern Fleet: Orel and Smolensk.

Russia's new silent Borei-class sub carrying 16 nukes to be tested
Picture credit score: YouTube

The Sierra II class is a collection of nuclear-powered assault submarines. There are two operational Sierra II class submarines within the Northern Fleet: Pskov and Nizhny Novgorod. Yasen-class submarines are nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines. There may be one operational Yasen-class submarine within the Northern Fleet: Severodvinsk.

Lastly, the Akula-class submarines are nuclear-powered assault submarines. There are six operational Akula-class submarines within the Northern Fleet: Pantera, Gepard, Vepr, Tigr, Volk, and Leopard. In abstract, the Russian Northern Fleet has a complete of 21 nuclear submarines, divided into six totally different courses.

The significance of the Arctic for Russia

yasen-m submarine russia
Picture credit score: Naval Put up

The Arctic area is of great strategic significance to Russia for a number of causes. First, it serves as a pure barrier, offering a stage of safety in opposition to potential threats. The cruel and inhospitable circumstances of the Arctic make it tough for any potential invader to navigate, thereby providing a type of pure protection.

In fact, the Arctic is dwelling to a good portion of Russia’s nuclear deterrent forces. The Northern Fleet, which incorporates nuclear submarines, relies within the Arctic. These submarines are able to launching intercontinental ballistic missiles, and their location within the Arctic makes them laborious to detect and attain, thereby enhancing Russia’s strategic safety.

Third, the Arctic supplies Russia with a vantage level for monitoring and controlling the Northern Sea Route [NSR[. This sea route is changing into more and more vital on account of local weather change and the melting of Arctic ice, which is opening up new delivery routes. Management over the NSR not solely provides financial advantages but in addition strategic benefits.

Lastly, the Arctic is wealthy in pure assets, together with oil, fuel, and minerals, that are essential to Russia’s economic system. The power to defend these assets is, due to this fact, a matter of financial safety for Russia.

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