Russia's Northern Fleet submariners prepare for Arctic dominance with specialized navigation drills

Moscow: In a bid to enhance ir capabilities, Russia's Norrn Fleet submariners are set to undergo extensive training, focusing on mastering ice navigation in Arctic. fleet's press service revealed plans for this strategic initiative, emphasizing its pivotal role in submariners' responsibilities for 2024. comprehensive training program encompasses both oretical understanding and practical exercises, specifically targeting crews of nuclear submarines. 

Highlighting critical importance of ice navigation, press service notes that crews will undergo specialized training during designated period. Special attention will be given to improving naval training of crews on strategic missile submarine cruisers of Norrn Fleet's submarine forces. This targeted approach aims to fortify reiness of submarines for missions in challenging Arctic environment. 

Targeted training to fortify reiness for Arctic missions 

As part of winter drills, Russia's Norrn Fleet will host a training and methodological meeting at its submarine forces base. objective is to review and consolidate best practices related to use of nuclear submarines under Arctic ice. In 2023, Tula nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine successfully launched in a newly designated ice navigation zone within Laptev Sea, affirming naval strategic nuclear forces' capability to accomplish missions effectively in Arctic region. 

Furrmore, in October 2023, nuclear-powered submarine cruiser Generalissimo Suvorov from Pacific Fleet promptly navigated through Arctic route under ice to reach its permanent base in far eastern naval base. Generalissimo Suvorov, third vessel of upgred Borei-A class, and sixth among Russia's 4th generation ballistic missile submarines, has been designed to carry an arsenal of up to 16 ballistic Bulava missiles. Commissioned on December 29, 2022, this vanced submarine stands as a significant dition to Russia's naval capabilities. 

Noneless, upcoming specialized training in ice navigation is poised to consolidate Russia's position as a formidable force in Arctic, ensuring that its naval personnel are well-prepared to navigate challenges presented by region's icy expanses. 

Arctic’s strategic importance grows amid escalating military activities 

Arctic's strategic importance is on rise as receding ice cap opens up new sea routes and unlocks valuable resources. Moscow's presence with bases inside Arctic Circle surpasses NATO's count by approximately one-third. Russian military activities in Arctic have escalated concurrently with an intensified focus on expanding infrastructure in area.

Furrmore, Russian ballistic missile submarines have become ept at executing complex deterrent patrols under protective shield of Arctic ice, making ir movements difficult to track. Moscow's commitment to mastering Arctic naval operations is evident in its consistent execution of exercises involving submarines in region. 

Submarine commanders typically seek nearby patches of open water, known as "les" or "polynyas," to surface without encountering floating ice. When this option is not viable, a careful maneuvering process is employed to break through up to 9 feet (2.5 m) of sea ice. mastery of se challenging maneuvers reflects not only technical prowess of Russian Navy but also strategic importance placed on maintaining operational reiness in Arctic, a region of increasing geopolitical significance.