Putin reveals Russia’s ‘military advantage’
Russian nuclear submarines are capable of sailing undetected beneath Arctic ice, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
Speaking at a meeting with nuclear sector workers in Sarov, east of Moscow, Putin stressed that the Arctic region is crucial for Russia’s defense.
“Our strategic nuclear submarines dive beneath the Arctic ice, vanishing from radar. This is our military advantage,” he said.
He added that Arctic research is also “extremely important” as shipping routes are becoming more accessible due to melting ice.
“It is our competitive advantage because many countries are interested in using the routes,” Putin noted.
Many nations, including Russia and the US, have highlighted the importance of the Arctic for security and global trade in recent years.
Since the 2000s, Russia has built eight Borei-class nuclear submarines, with the most recent vessel, the Knyaz Pozharsky, launched last year. Two more are under construction.
Putin said last month that the submarines are equipped with Bulava ballistic missiles, which have a range of up to 8,000 km (4,970 miles).
Russia is also currently the only country operating a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers.
