Russian President Vladimir Putin inaugurated two new nuclear-powered submarines on Monday to bolster his naval power and send a message to hostile countries. In a televised address from the northern city of Severodvinsk, Putin said amid freezing temperatures that such “vessels” would make Russia “feel safe”.
The two submarines were named Krasnoyarsk and Emperor Alexander III. and demonstrate the pinnacle of Russian naval power, with each vessel serving a specific purpose.
While the Krasnoyarsk belongs to the Yasen (Ash Tree) class of multipurpose submarines, capable of launching highly accurate long-range missiles both on land and at sea, the Emperor Alexander III is part of the new Borei (Arctic Wind) class. nuclear submarines, the first of a new generation launched by Moscow since the Cold War.
Putin has confirmed that the submarines will occupy the vast void of global waters to ensure that Russia’s strategic interests are not harmed.
Notably, Moscow has repeatedly used submarines in the Black Sea to supplement its war effort in Ukraine with coastal bombardment. However, according to Moscow officials, these two newly minted underwater beasts will not be used in a conflict against Kiev, even if they are deployed in the Pacific.
Ahead of the official unveiling, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced last month that it had successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile.
Putin is showing off his shiny new toys to the world almost a week after announcing he is running again in the presidential election due to be held in March next year. The decision will allow Putin to extend his decades-long power stranglehold on the Kremlin.
He repeatedly spoke about the potential of a new generation of Russian weapons, especially nuclear systems, which act as a deterrent to the West. Moscow’s investment in the development of these submarines provides safeguards against a hypothetical US nuclear attack, especially against the backdrop of a fragile world order and the upcoming US presidential election.
Second strike ability
It is no accident that Putin has chosen to invest in submarines rather than other types of warships, says Germond. “Russia never managed to create a fleet that could compete with the West. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union could not develop an aircraft carrier that could compete with the Americans.”
By contrast, Russia’s large investments in submarines have long provided safeguards against a hypothetical US nuclear attack. They are a key element of Russia’s deterrence strategy, providing what analysts call a “second-strike capability” — a nuclear power will think twice before bombing another if it knows there are submarines lurking underwater ready to retaliate.
The submarines are meant to illustrate Moscow’s ability to simultaneously wage war in Ukraine and its naval modernization program.
The Kremlin is certainly trying to project an image of naval power, but two submarines – whether nuclear-powered or not – will do little to change the balance of power in the Pacific, according to experts interviewed by FRANCE 24.
