Missile Armed Russian Nuclear Sub & Frigate Operate Off East Coast

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

The recent deployment of the Russian Yasen-M-class nuclear submarine, Kazan, along with the advanced guided-missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov, off the East Coast of the United States as part of Russia’s missile drills in the Atlantic marks a notable escalation in naval power projection. This maneuver, ostensibly part of larger military exercises bound for the Caribbean, not only reflects Russia’s expanding military footprint but also underscores the Kremlin’s strategic intent amid the broader geopolitical context of the war in Ukraine.

In a recent report by CNN, the Kazan is one of the newest additions to Russia’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and represents a significant leap in technological sophistication. As part of the Yasen-M class, these submarines are designed for deep ocean anti-ship and land attack missions, equipped with a plethora of modern warfare technologies including sonar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and advanced stealth technology. These submarines can carry a wide range of weaponry, notably up to 32 P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles, 40 Kalibr NK land attack cruise missiles with a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles, and an undisclosed number of the newer 3M-22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles.

The Admiral Gorshkov, a frigate launched in late 2010, complements the Kazan with its own impressive array of capabilities. This ship is one of the principal surface combatants in the Russian navy, equipped with the same Kalibr missiles, which enable it to engage targets at great distances, essentially providing the Russian navy with a “stand-off” capability that allows it to engage targets without entering hostile waters. The frigate also carries the S-350 Vityaz and Poliment-Redut air defense systems, enhancing its survivability against air attacks, crucial for its role accompanying the Kazan in potentially contested waters.

Former US Army Futures Command Commander

The operational area for these exercises, just east of the Florida Keys, is strategically significant. The proximity of these exercises to U.S. territorial waters is an unmistakable signal of Russia’s intent to demonstrate its capability to project power far from its own shores. This deployment near critical international shipping lanes highlights Russia’s ability to influence these waters, which are vital for global commerce and military movements.

From a tactical standpoint, the testing of anti-ship missiles in the Atlantic by these vessels is a clear demonstration of Russia’s focus on enhancing its precision strike capabilities. Such tests not only serve as a drill for Russian naval forces but also as a message to NATO and the United States, showcasing Russia’s advancing military technology and its readiness to deploy these capabilities in strategically important regions.