NATO intelligence officials believe Russia is developing underwater nuclear missile systems that could be hidden on the Arctic seabed, according to reports. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and Russia have maintained a tense relationship for decades. The 32-member alliance, established in 1949 to counter Soviet aggression, now focuses on safeguarding allied nations through collective defence.
Russian Naval Activities Under Scrutiny
EurAsia Daily reported that NATO intelligence agencies have been monitoring the Russian Northern Fleet and suspect efforts to position missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads on the seabed. German media has indicated that the initiative, codenamed "Scythians", may have been operational for several years. It is believed the missiles would be stationed in the Arctic Ocean within Russian territorial waters, possibly in specially engineered mines or containers on the ocean floor.
Challenges of Detection and Neutralisation
Reports suggest that if deployed, these missiles could remain on the seabed for extended periods and be launched via remote control. Missile launchers positioned on the seabed would prove extremely difficult to detect and neutralise during wartime, posing a significant strategic threat.
Recent Russian Nuclear Drills
Earlier, Vladimir Putin's forces test-fired several nuclear-capable missiles in a chilling display of power. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that on Thursday, May 21, as part of nuclear forces exercises, test launches were conducted of the 'Yars' and 'Sineva' intercontinental ballistic missiles, alongside hypersonic missiles from the 'Zircon' and 'Kinzhal' systems. Separately, the Belarusian military carried out a test launch of an 'Iskander' missile, according to Russian news agency Interfax.
These developments follow a heated exchange of threats with NATO state Lithuania amid growing concerns over a potential Putin military offensive in the Baltic region. Alliance fighters were scrambled in Lithuania on Wednesday after reports of drone incursions from Russian ally Belarus, which is participating in the nuclear drills alongside Kremlin forces.
