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.
Comparatively, the Kazan and Admiral Gorshkov are among the most advanced in their class globally. The U.S. equivalent to the Yasen-M would be the Virginia-class submarines, which also feature advanced stealth technology, extensive armament capabilities, and the latest in naval warfare technology. However, the operational strategies of the U.S. and Russia diverge significantly. The U.S. typically uses its submarine fleet for deterrence and rapid-response capabilities across the world’s oceans, backed by a larger network of allies and a broader global presence. In contrast, Russia’s deployment of these advanced naval assets to the Caribbean seems to aim at demonstrating its capability to sustain operations in distant regions, potentially as a form of strategic leverage in international or bilateral negotiations.
The deployment of the Kazan and the Admiral Gorshkov off the East Coast and their impending operations in the Caribbean are indicative of Russia’s strategic military posturing and its implications for NATO and U.S. military strategy. This move illustrates not only Russia’s capabilities in terms of advanced naval warfare but also its willingness to project power in the West, challenging the traditional zones of influence and strategic balances.
