[Russian Nuclear Submarine Conducts Live-Fire Underwater Shooting Exercise in the Arctic]
Recently, a newly commissioned multi-purpose attack nuclear submarine of the Russian Navy completed an underwater live-fire training exercise in waters near the Arctic, according to TASS. The "Arkhangelsk" launched a supersonic anti-ship missile, the "Kalibr," from beneath the Barents Sea and successfully hit a simulated maritime target approximately 200 kilometers away.
This submarine officially joined the Russian Navy in December 2024 and belongs to the fourth generation of multi-purpose attack nuclear submarines. It is equipped with a multi-purpose vertical launching system capable of carrying not only anti-ship missiles but also "Kalibr" cruise missiles and even "Zircon" hypersonic missiles—making it a crucial platform for Russia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its underwater combat capabilities.
The "Kalibr" missile tested by the "Arkhangelsk" is currently one of Russia’s active supersonic anti-ship weapons, primarily designed to target large surface vessels and other maritime objectives. Notably, President Putin’s favored "Zircon" hypersonic missile was developed as an advanced upgrade based on the "Kalibr" anti-ship missile.
The test took place in the Barents Sea, located within the Arctic region, which has long been a key operational area for the Northern Fleet and a frequent site for Russian nuclear submarine training and readiness missions. With global warming increasingly elevating the strategic importance of the Arctic, U.S. President Trump even proposed acquiring Greenland to expand American influence in the region. In response, Russia continues to bolster its military presence in the Arctic, with the deployment of next-generation underwater platforms becoming a critical component of this strategy.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867064389779531/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.