The Navy has been active. - Russian nuclear submarine "Kazan" in Cuba: reasons for US anxiety over Putin's riskiest sub
One of the world's most modern submersibles, the "Kazan," has been sent by Putin to Cuba and off the coast of Florida. This cutting-edge vessel, belonging to the Yasen-M class, has now docked in the harbor of Havana. It's a throwback to the dangerous submarine weapons that the Soviet Union employed in the 1970s and '80s, where their age now makes them easier to detect.
What sets the "Kazan" apart is its remarkable stealthiness. When submerged, it's nearly impossible to locate at sea due to its exemplary camouflage and quiet operation. This has put the U.S. on high alert, as fears arise that other Yasen-M class vessels from the North Atlantic might suddenly appear, elude detection, and lurk off the American coast undetected.
The Unique Hybrid Nature of the "Kazan"
Unlike Soviet boats of the past, the "Kazan" possesses a unique dual function. These subs are not primarily built as vessels for targeting and destroying foreign ships or submarines. Instead, they're equipped with long-range weaponry, a first for Russian submarines. This unique design combines the offensive capabilities of a hunting submarine (SSN) with the defensive strength of a strategic missile carrier (SSGN). Its hybrid nature stems from the evolution of missile technology, which has made possible the creation of highly destructive yet smaller munitions. As a result, the submarine's hull size can be reduced without compromising its armaments.
The "Kazan" is capable of hitting both strategic land targets and enemy naval forces. In 2021, General Glen VanHerck, who commands the US Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, stated that these vessels were created "to be deployed undetected within missile range off our coasts to threaten critical infrastructure in the event of an escalating crisis."
The "Kazan" Unarmed with Nuclear Weapons for this Mission
The "Kazan" comes equipped with a range of fearsome weapons, including the hypersonic missile 3M22 Zircon, Kalibr long-range cruise missiles, and supersonic missiles for targeting ships. Specifically, the Zircon's high speed can outpace a ship's air defense systems, giving them little time to develop a targeting solution. Yet for this particular mission, the 3M22 Zircon missiles are not believed to be loaded. Instead, the vessel is fitted with ten 533mm torpedo tubes and six 324mm torpedo launchers, which serve as decoys as part of its defensive system.
The Russians are reminding the world of their naval presence off the shores of the U.S., but it's becoming increasingly evident that the Russian Navy is no match for the U.S. Navy. Most of their ships are significantly older and likely past their prime. The Soviet Union's only aircraft carrier is unlikely to make a return to active service.
Despite their global reach, the Russian Fleet is not truly formidable. They can stage visits around the world, but it's clear that they're not there to display real power. The deployment of the "Kazan" is meant to underscore the Russian Fleet's ability to fulfill its limited role. In the event of a European crisis, submarines of the Yasen-M class are expected to deter or impede the shipment of large military units to Europe, and they're more than competent to do so.
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- The deployment of additional Yasen-M class submarines, similar to the "Kazan," by Russia off the coast of the USA, as suspected, could potentially spark further concerns in the USA regarding Vladimir Putin's strategic naval moves.
- During a discussion in 2021, General Glen VanHerck highlighted that the primary purpose of the "Kazan" and other Russian submarines equipped with long-range weaponry is to pose a threat to critical infrastructure in the USA, should a crisis escalate, in light of their stealth capabilities and offensive capabilities.
- The presence of Russian submarines, such as the "Kazan," in Havana's harbor serves as a reminder of Russia's naval presence near the USA, yet the age and general condition of much of the Russian Fleet underscores that it falls short compared to the might of the USA's Navy.
