Reference News Network, July 31 report. According to the Russian Free Media website on July 28, the Russian "Berkut-M" multi-purpose nuclear submarine is being equipped with the "Zircon" hypersonic missile. Ruben Johnson, an analyst from the Open Source Intelligence Foundation in the United States, wrote in the American magazine "National Security Journal" that this news shocked senior NATO commanders. He said that Russia's new nuclear submarine could completely change the principles of underwater warfare.
The weapons that the "Berkut-M" submarine can carry have long been a concern for NATO, as it indicates that the mission of this type of submarine has changed. This new submarine will no longer play the role of hunting enemy submarines, but will be able to launch a full range of anti-ship missiles and land-attack missiles, including the "Zircon" hypersonic missile.
"National Security Journal" pointed out: "With a speed of 6-8 Mach (depending on the flight trajectory), the 'Zircon' missile can suppress ship-based air defense systems, preventing them from making a decision to launch interceptors. If the 'Zircon' can maneuver during the final stage of its flight before hitting the target, interception becomes even more difficult."
Military analyst Shashikant Tiwari from "Eurasia Times" said: "The 'Zircon' will pose a threat to ground targets and Western important naval bases. Its incredible speed makes it an excellent weapon for attacking large ships and deeply buried strong targets."
"Eurasia Times" noted that as early as 2018, Russian President Putin listed the "Zircon" missile as one of Russia's five super weapons, the other four being the "Avangard" hypersonic glide vehicle, the "Poseidon" unmanned submersible, the "Kinzhal" air-launched hypersonic missile, and the "Ovod" nuclear-powered cruise missile.
Analysts from the Royal United Services Institute in the UK concluded four years ago: The transformation of the "Berkut-M" submarine into a missile nuclear submarine indicates that the operational principles of Russia's underwater forces in confrontation with NATO have changed.
The "Berkut-M" submarine (model 885M) is most similar to the American "Virginia" class submarine, which was originally designed to counter the US Navy.
Johnson said, according to a report from the Royal United Services Institute, the original mission of this submarine was to block maritime traffic routes, but with the deployment of weapons such as the "Zircon" missile, its main mission has shifted to conducting long-range strikes, which will force NATO to change its anti-submarine warfare theory.
"National Security Journal" pointed out: "The entire defense strategy of NATO in the 'Gap between Greenland, Iceland and Britain' (referring to the sea area between Greenland, Iceland and Britain - note by the newspaper) may no longer be effective against Russian submarines, because these submarines may achieve their operational objectives without breaking through this barrier."
On December 27, 2024, the fourth "Berkut-M" submarine, the "Arkhangelsk," was officially delivered to the Russian Navy at a ceremony held at the Severodvinsk Shipyard.
A Norwegian media reported that Russia may build at least 12 "Berkut-M" submarines, half of which may be delivered to the Northern Fleet.
Thus, Russia's most advanced submarines will be deployed just 30 kilometers away from the NATO maritime boundary (i.e., the Norwegian maritime boundary).
"Eurasia Times" stated that in addition to the "Zircon" missile, the submarine is also equipped with the "Kalibr" long-range cruise missile and the "Yakhont" anti-ship missile.
The range of the "Yakhont" missile is close to 600 kilometers, while the range of the "Kalibr" missile can reach nearly 3,000 kilometers.
"National Security Journal" pointed out that a force composed of 12 such submarines would severely undermine the plans of the United States and NATO to deal with future Russian underwater threats.
Military expert Peter Sutchin predicted in an article written for the American conservative media "The National Interest" that the Russian Navy will continue to develop.
Incidentally, the exact number of Russian submarines is classified. The Nuclear Threat Initiative Association estimated the number at 64 in August 2024, but this number is obviously seriously underestimated.
"The National Interest" published an article stating: "Russia has actually abandoned the production of large and expensive surface ships, such as the aircraft carrier 'Admiral Kuznetsov'. Putin has required the Russian Navy to focus on its still advantageous submarine field." (Translated by Zhao Zhipeng)
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