Russia warning: How NATO territory is being targeted by Putins submarine war games – Express.co.uk

The Russian war games started in mid October and have seen the Kremlin flaunt its military might in the Arctic right on NATOs doorstep. But as David Axe of National Interest highlights, Russian military are using the exercises to test how easily they can use submarines to breach NATO territory undetected. Eight submarines made an incursion into Norwegian territory in the Barents Sea accompanied by two other vessels, part of a planned 60 day exercise to test weapons and train the operators.

But more worryingly for NATO allies, Mr Axe highlights that while Russian military aims to practice defensive strategy, it is also audaciously sending subs into Western waters.

Norwegian intelligence services reported that The aim of the massive operation is to get as far out to the North Atlantic as possible without being discovered by NATO.

Mr Axe also highlights that while the exercises are defensive in nature, the same submarines being used could hypothetically launch attacks from the same locations.

The ease with which Russian military can enter NATO waters will provoke concern among many as the Kremlin consolidates its presence in the Arctic region.

The Arctic is a contested region due to its emerging, accessible natural resources which are becoming easier to extract due to melting ice. Russia, the US and China are competing for influence in the region, with Russias war games the latest in a long line of attempts to mark its authority.

Swathes of Russias Arctic seas were closed off for huge nuclear war games starting in October as five submarines, more than 100 aircraft, 200 missile launchers and 12,000 Russian troops prepared to take part in the exercise, Moscows Defence Ministry stated.

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Russia warning: How NATO territory is being targeted by Putins submarine war games - Express.co.uk