Russia has taken a new step in the Modernization of its nuclear arsenal with the Deployment of the Knyaz Pozharsky Balistic Missile Submarine, of the Borei-A Classwho has left this week of the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk ,.
Although its exact mission is unknown, it is expected that the ship, which takes up to 16 Bulava missiles, each armed with four to six nuclear eyes, soon perform a Bulava Nuclear Missile Testkey requirement before its full integration into the Navy.
The delivery of the Knyaz Pozharsky was scheduled for 2024, but was delayed due to Delays in construction and sea tests. It will be the second fourth generation submarine of the Borei-A class to operate with the northern fleet, after Prince Vladimiractive since 2020. Its incorporation significantly reinforces Kremlin’s nuclear deterrence in the Arctic.
Differences between the Pacific fleet and the northern fleet
However, the deployment highlights a strategic paradox. Unlike the Pacific fleet, which has been prioritized since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and operates in more favorable deep water to hide submarines, Northern fleet ships must navigate at least 24 hours by the Barents Sea before reaching the depths of the Arctic Oceanwhich makes them more vulnerable to detection.
Currently, the northern fleet maintains a Mix of submarines: cinco Third Generation Delta-IV and three Borei y Borei-a Fourth. In addition, at the base of Zapadnaya Litha, close to the border with Norway, operate Multipurpose submarines of the Yasen/Yasen-M classcapable of carrying tactical nuclear eyes.
According to the 2025 update of the Nuclear Notebook published by the Atomic Scientists Bulletin, Russia has some 4,309 nuclear eyesof which 1,718 are strategically deployed, including 640 in submarines. The report emphasizes that Russia is about to complete the total modernization of its nuclear arsenal, both strategic and tactical.
He Treaty New Startthat It limits the nuclear strategic weapons of the US and Russia, it will expire in February 2026. If it is not renewed, Russia could increase its number of nuclear eyelets deployed by up to 60%, experts warn.
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