A new breed of ‘alarmingly sophisticated’ submarines stirs memories of past Soviet aggression, just as Moscow becomes increasingly assertive on the international stage.
Often overshadowed by the ongoing discussion of the relentless growth and rapid evolution of China’s navy, another dangerous and unpredictable potential threat stirs in the East. From the ashes of the Soviet Union’s mighty fleet of nuclear submarines, Russia has embarked on an aggressive effort to resurrect its undersea-warfare capabilities. Although much has changed since the glory days of perilous cat-and-mouse adventures between U.S. and Soviet submarines, Russia has unfortunately rekindled some of the aggressive nationalism reminiscent of the Cold War. As increasingly vitriolic rhetoric flows despite President Barack Obama’s repeated overtures of friendship, Moscow’s intentions are particularly troubling considering its recent rush to claim newly accessible resources laid bare by the receding Arctic ice sheet.
Some would argue that this posturing represents sinister expansionist goals that harken back to the former Soviet Union’s unilateral annexation of territory. Meanwhile, accompanying these efforts to expand its sphere of influence, Russia has developed a new generation of alarmingly sophisticated submarines, both nuclear and diesel-electric. Moreover, and likely far more dangerous to world peace and stability, Moscow has thus far shown little, if any, restraint in offering its advanced military technologies for purchase to the highest bidder, regardless of any particular regime’s scruples (or lack thereof).
The development and proliferation of the next generation of Russian-built submarines will likely dramatically alter the world’s future geopolitical landscape. The United States and its allies must understand and appreciate the capabilities of these new potential adversaries and strive to develop new skills, while retaining past expertise, to respond to the threats that prowl the ocean depths.