Russian nuclear submarine launches missile in Arctic

Russia's Severodvinsk nuclear submarine successfully launched the country's latest cruise missile on April 30 during a live-fire exercise in the Arctic.

The Northern Fleet's ultramodern multipurpose submarine, Project 885 Severodvinsk, has successfully fired a Kalibr cruise missile from the Barents Sea, RT reported, citing the Russian military. The missile hit a simulated target in the Arkhangelsk region "with high accuracy."

Since its deployment, the Severodvinsk has participated in a series of exercises as part of the Northern Fleet's winter training. After entering service, the Severodvinsk has become the most powerful submarine in the Russian fleet to date. However, the Russian Navy continues to plan to improve and upgrade this type of submarine to be able to compete with American submarines.

US Navy officials have openly acknowledged the power of Russian nuclear submarines. At a naval submarine conference last year, Rear Admiral Dave Johnson, in charge of submarines at the US Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), stated: "We will face formidable opponents. A notable case is the Severodvinsk, the Russian version of the nuclear-powered guided missile submarine (SSGN). I was so impressed with this ship that I ordered a similar model to be built from publicly available data."

With a range of up to 2,000 km, the 3M-54 Kalibr hypersonic missile is small enough to be carried by submarines and light warships. It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.

Experts say the Russian Kalibr missile poses a major threat to US security. The Office of Naval Intelligence said last December that the Kalibr missile would also "profoundly change the Russian military's ability to intercept, deter, and destroy enemy targets."

According to VNE