Russian Nuclear Submarine Surfaces Near UK Territory in ’Explosive Hazard’
A russian nuclear-powered submarine,the Novorossiysk,has surfaced in waters close to the UK,sparking concern amongst naval observers. The vessel, a Kilo-class attack submarine, was reportedly monitored by NATO and Spanish naval forces as it transited the Strait of Gibraltar earlier this month. This surfacing occurs as russia’s Black Sea Fleet faces limitations due to Turkey’s closure of the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits following the conflict in Ukraine.
The incident highlights Russia’s increased reliance on submarines for global operations, especially as access to the Mediterranean Sea is restricted for surface vessels. The Strait of gibraltar is a critical chokepoint for Mediterranean shipping, heavily monitored by NATO and the Spanish Navy, making the Novorossiysk’s passage a significant event. The submarine’s presence is considered an “explosive hazard” due to its nuclear capabilities and potential for covert operations.
The Novorossiysk was launched in 2014, during a Russian military festivity overseen by President Vladimir Putin. Kilo-class submarines are known for their quiet operation and are designed to target both surface ships and other submarines.
while military movements are commonplace, the closure of the Turkish straits has dramatically altered Russia’s naval strategy. This closure effectively prevents the black sea Fleet from accessing the Mediterranean and wider international waters, increasing the importance of submarines like the Novorossiysk for projecting Russian power. The waters around Gibraltar are amongst the most closely-monitored in the world, serving as a bottleneck for all Mediterranean shipping traffic. Earlier this month,the same forces monitored a Russian intelligence-gathering ship,the Viktor Leonov,as it navigated the narrow passage between North Africa and Southern Europe.
