Reference News, August 9 report: The U.S. "Foreign Policy" magazine website published an article on August 6 with the title "Russia's Submarine Plan Is Bad News for the West", authored by Elizabeth Brough. The article is translated as follows:

Recently, the news that Russia's only aircraft carrier, the "Admiral Kuznetsov," is about to be decommissioned has left many people sighing. But don't be too pleased that Russia's navy is about to lose its aircraft carrier, because the country is still expanding a submarine fleet that is terrifying.

The "Admiral Kuznetsov" was built in the 1980s and has been Russia's only aircraft carrier for over 40 years. The ship is about 300 meters long and has a range of 9,800 miles (approximately 15,700 kilometers). However, compared to aircraft carriers of other countries, it has always been outdated.

In 2017, the "Admiral Kuznetsov" was sent to the drydock in Murmansk for repairs and modernization, but the process dragged on. The next year, the floating dock where the aircraft carrier was moored flooded due to a power outage and sank, causing damage to the ship. In 2019, a major fire broke out on board, resulting in several deaths and multiple injuries. In 2021, the head of the shipyard was arrested for suspected embezzlement of repair funds.

Russia has long realized that it cannot match the U.S. aircraft carrier battle groups, so in recent years, it has been focusing on expanding its already powerful submarine fleet. On the controversial issue of whether aircraft carriers have become obsolete in the era of missiles and stealth submarines, Russia's position is clear. The secrecy of submarines often makes them a choice for the weaker side: in 1917 and 1940, although the German navy could not face the British Royal Navy directly, it could use submarines to severely damage British ships.

Between 2013 and 2025, the Russian Pacific Fleet added 13 new submarines, including five "Borei"-class strategic nuclear submarines. John Aitken, a former rear admiral of the Royal Navy and deputy director of submarines, said: "Russia will not invade the United States, but it may invade Europe or part of Europe, or a European country." Aitken explained that in the case of insufficient fleet capabilities, submarines can pose a threat to U.S. battle groups escorted by aircraft carriers.

This may not be a very advanced strategy, but the Kremlin seems to be doing everything possible. Last month, President Putin stated that the submarine expansion plan was "crucial" and emphasized that four more "Borei"-class submarines will be purchased in the future. These submarines are used not only to hinder the deployment of U.S. naval forces to Europe. Unlike the "Admiral Kuznetsov," which has had a troubled history, they are frequently used.

Previously, Russian submarines have passed through the North Sea and the English Channel. Aitken said: "While Russia is paying attention to the North Atlantic, it is also paying attention to the Arctic and other regions. In addition, the latest batch of "Kilo"-class submarines deployed in the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Barents Sea are also very capable. We have seen a significant increase in Russian military activities along the Arctic coast."

Currently, navies around the world are actively developing submarine forces. The sizes of the submarine fleets of the United States, Europe, and Russia are comparable, and these countries all hope to continue expanding their submarine forces. NATO member states have recognized the development trend of maritime combat and deterrence: this June, the UK announced the construction of 12 new attack submarines, and two more submarines will officially enter service next year.

Germany is building six new submarines - two for its own use and four for Norway, which is a rare successful case of joint procurement. Sweden has ordered two submarines. Australia signed an important submarine agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom in 2021.

The current main task of Russian submarines is to test their own strength and reconnaissance of NATO's strength, but their uses may become increasingly aggressive. The asymmetric warfare capability of submarines makes Russia a real challenger to the United States. (Translated by Wang Dongdong)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7536456570033422902/

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