Russia is accelerating its militarization of the Arctic, with plans to launch multiple new nuclear submarines over the next two years as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its Northern Fleet, headquartered in Severomorsk.
Stretching across 24,000 km of northern coastline, the Arctic is not only strategically important to Russia but also of global significance.
It holds roughly 22% of the world’s untapped oil and gas reserves and includes the Northern Sea Route, a rapidly emerging shipping corridor that can cut the transit time between Asia and Europe in half.
However, what many nations view as a potential engine for economic cooperation and green development, Moscow appears to be treating as a frontline—reviving Cold War-style militarization, with submarines at the center.
This was reported by United24 Media.
Nuclear-Powered Submarines Take Center Stage
A large portion of the Northern Fleet’s strength lies beneath the surface.
Currently, about one-third of the fleet’s nearly 100 military vessels are submarines, including several capable of carrying nuclear weapons. As of early 2025, 31 submarines are either operational or undergoing modernization—many of them launched after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Over the next four years, Russia plans to add at least three new Borei-class nuclear submarines. Each of these formidable vessels can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles, each with a range of 9,300 km, bringing both Europe and North America within striking distance.
These subs play a key role in Russia’s nuclear triad, ensuring second-strike capability and expanding the reach of its strategic deterrent.
More Firepower on the Way
Russia is also working on three Yasen-class nuclear submarines, designed to hunt and destroy enemy surface fleets. These vessels are armed with a mix of Onyx, Kalibr, and Zircon cruise missiles—some of which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
For more localized operations, the fleet will be strengthened with two Lada-class diesel-electric submarines, ideal for territorial defense, base protection, and tracking enemy vessels in Arctic waters.
Despite international calls to keep the Arctic demilitarized, Russia’s plans show a clear intent to establish naval superiority in the region, particularly along the Northern Sea Route.
Submarines as Tools of Control and Intimidation
Submarines give Russia covert strike capability and enable it to exert control without visible escalation. Just as Nazi U-boats once devastated Allied shipping in the Atlantic during World War II, Russia’s modern submarine fleet could pose a constant threat to global trade if it chooses to militarize the NSR.
This underwater buildup also sends a message to the West: Russia is not only investing in economic influence in the Arctic but military dominance as well.
While other nations look to the Arctic for collaboration, energy development, and streamlined logistics, Russia is pursuing a sharply different course—building bases, expanding its fleet, and deploying nuclear-powered vessels designed for confrontation rather than cooperation.
