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

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

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

Targeted training to fortify readiness for Arctic missions 

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

Furthermore, in October 2023, the nuclear-powered submarine cruiser Generalissimo Suvorov from the Pacific Fleet promptly navigated through the Arctic route under the ice to reach its permanent base in the far eastern naval base. The Generalissimo Suvorov, the third vessel of the upgraded Borei-A class, and the 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 advanced submarine stands as a significant addition to Russia's naval capabilities. 

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

Arctic’s strategic importance grows amid escalating military activities 

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

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

Submarine commanders typically seek nearby patches of open water, known as "leads" 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. The mastery of these challenging maneuvers reflects not only the technical prowess of the Russian Navy but also the strategic importance placed on maintaining operational readiness in the Arctic, a region of increasing geopolitical significance.