Russia deploys cruise missiles in western Atlantic

Russia announced recently that it plans to use vessels equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles for patrols in the western Atlantic Ocean. The use of these missiles are expected to be a new form of strategic deterrence which Russia hopes will restore the strategic balance with the United States.

During the Cold War, strategic patrols were conducted by submarines equipped with ballistic missiles. The use of such vessels was obvious as only SSBN submarines were able to mount a credible deterrent by striking the adversary from an unexpected location with as little warning as possible. The decline of the Russian navy in recent decades has greatly reduced Russia's ability to mount these patrols and create a credible deterrence against the United States.

By using Kalibr class cruise missiles, Russia hopes to restore this balance.  These missiles are a more potent deterrent against the United States as it is more difficult to intercept compared to ballistic missiles. The missile is designed to reach high speeds at very low altitude, effectively evading radar detection for as long as possible. The low altitude allows the missile to fly under the radar and hide its signature for as long as possible in the clutter generated by radar waves bouncing off sea and land. The long range of the Kalibr missile also allows it to take long detours in order to evade detection and counter measure systems, effectively striking the target from an undefended or lightly defended direction. Ballistic missiles by contrast can be easily detected from the moment they are launched and allow for a longer response time in order to deploy counter measures.

The long range also increases the area which the US needs to monitor
The Kalibr missile has been used several times during the Syrian conflict and has proven to be reliable cruise missile. The missile was however always used with a conventional warhead during this conflict. Russian subs and surface vessels are expected to use the nuclear variant in order to mount a nuclear deterrent. It is unknown if the nuclear warhead will have a significant effect upon the flight characteristics of the missile.

By using the Kalibr cruise missile, Russia also increase the amount of vessels that can be used for strategic patrols. The missile can be fired from surface ships as well as submarines. The task of conducted a strategic nuclear deterrent against the United States is thus no longer restricted through the use of SSBN submarines but can also be done by SSN attack submarines such as the new Severodvinsk class submarines, as well as the missile guided submarines of the Oscar II SSGN class.

Popular posts from this blog

Russian Naval deployments during the Ukraine War

Image
March 17, 2022 At least six Russian warships were observed near Odessa. The warships maintained their distance and operated on the horizon. March 16, 2022 Several vessels entered the port of Sevastopol including the patrol vessel Vasily Bykov. The Bykov was rumored to be struck and sunk by a Ukrainian grad MLRS barrage near Odessa on March 07 dough this was never officially confirmed.  The visual confirmation of the vessel entering the port of Sevastopol undamaged indicates that if an MLRS attack took place, it did not struck the Bykov. Ropucha class landing vessel Kondopoga of the northern fleet allegedly also entered the port of Sevastopol. March 15, 2022 Several Russian warships and landing ships were spotted on commercial satellite imagery during the morning hours. The vessels were heading in the direction of Odessa.  The vessel leading the formation of landing ships appears to be minesweeper with her sweeping array deployed. During the evening, around 90 missiles were reported fir
Read more

Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk20/2024

Image
Task Force Composition As reported by OSINT at the morning of May-18 Weekly Brief A significant reduction in combat strength took place with the departure of Northern and Baltic Fleet warships as well as the Buyan-M class corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo. This leaves the task force reduced to a detachment of the Pacific Fleet and the frigate Admiral Grigorovich.  The departure also included the two amphibious landing vessels, thus resulting in an end to maritime weapon shipments for Russian mercenary forces stationed in Libya. Daily Events May 11 Civilian oil tanker Okeansky Prospect entered the Mediterranean during the afternoon via the Strait of Gibraltar [ 1 ]. Weapons runner Sparta IV was anchored near Malta and would stay there until May 13th. Frigate Admiral Grigorovich was observed sailing near Sparta IV [ 2 ]. May 12 Logistic support vessel Vice-Admiral Paromov was observed entering the Mediterranean via the Strait of Gibraltar at 10.45 local time [ 3 ]. Russian oil tanker Vladimir Mon
Read more

Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk36/2024

Image
Task Force Composition As reported by OSINT at the morning of Sep-07 Weekly Brief Fleet oiler Akademik Pashin, most likely escorted by the frigate Neustrashimy, unexpectedly departed the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. Their destination was not reported though several Russian interests are present in the region such as Sudan, Yemen and Iran. A long term Indian Ocean deployment appears to be unlikely since these deployments are almost always handled by vessels of Russia's Pacific Fleet. Improved Kilo class submarine Novorossiysk has been closing in on the Strait of Gibraltar. The submarine and her escorts could be entering the Mediterranean in Week 37. Daily Events September 02 Fleet oiler Akademik Pashin is reported 120 to 140 nautical miles from the entrance of the Suez Canal. The vessel is escorted by an unidentified frigate [ 1 ]. September 03 Satellite imagery of the port of Tartus confirmed the presence of Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa, frigate Admiral Grigorovich, Stere
Read more