Russia Expands Its Arctic Fleet with Nuclear Submarines That Will Be Launched Within the Next Two Years

The Arctic is a crucial region for Russia: it is home to the country’s entire northern border, stretching 24,000 km (14,000 miles). It is also significant for the world, as it holds 22% of global oil and gas reserves, and is the location of the Northern Sea Route, which nearly halves the shipping time from Asian ports to Europe: 18 days compared to 35 days via the Suez Canal. The latter is also considered dangerous due to actions by the Houthis.

However, a similar threat could soon emerge in the Arctic. We have already reported on how Russia is adapting its weaponry for Arctic warfare and re-establishing its military presence in the region after decades of calm. Further research into this topic reveals that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

One of Russia's main strengths in the Arctic is its navy. In this part of the world, Moscow operates the so-called Northern Fleet—one of its five main fleets (counting the Caspian Flotilla, but excluding small overseas bases), headquartered in Severomorsk.

The fleet comprises nearly one hundred military vessels of various classes, including submarines—among them, nuclear-powered submarines. The flagship is the aircraft carrier Kuznetsov, which has been undergoing repairs for many years now, with no clear timeline for its return to active service. Yet, the significance lies not in this particular vessel, but in Russia’s broader ambitions to strengthen its forces.

Submarines

A third of the Northern Fleet consists of submarines of various classes, including a flotilla capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Russia has mastered the construction of stealthy submarines, making them an extremely dangerous weapon—and continues to do so.

As of early 2025, we have counted 31 submarines either on active duty or undergoing repairs/upgrades. It's important to note that not all of this equipment is a Soviet legacy. Half of them were launched after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and one in three submarines is relatively modern, commissioned in the 2000s or even the 2010s.

Moreover, Russia is continuously adding new submarines to the Northern Fleet: three have been commissioned in the past five years, and another is less than a decade old. This indicates that Russia continues to bolster its underwater fleet in this region, despite agreements to keep the Arctic demilitarized.

The plans are even more ambitious. Over the next four years, the fleet will receive three Borei-class nuclear submarines, each capable of carrying 16 Bulava ballistic missiles—missiles that can deliver nuclear warheads at ranges of nearly 9,300 km, putting both Europe and the American continent under threat. For Russia, these submarines represent a strengthening of its nuclear triad.

Additionally, three future projects include Yasen-class nuclear submarines capable of carrying Onyx, Kalibr, and Zircon missiles. Their primary mission is the destruction of enemy surface fleets, though these missiles can also be equipped with nuclear warheads for more lethal operations if necessary.

Finally, there are two Lada-class submarines planned, designed for territorial patrols, protection of naval bases, and the destruction of enemy submarines and surface ships.

Submarines are a key element of control and intimidation. When we talk about the Northern Sea Route, which will be under the control of the Russian fleet—or at the very least, heavily influenced by its military presence—the existence of a large submarine fleet will allow the Kremlin to keep this transport artery under constant threat. Let’s recall that during WWII, Hitler’s submarine flotilla devastated transport ships in the Atlantic Ocean, turning it into a brutal battleground.

The world seeks to develop the Arctic peacefully and to simplify global logistics. Meanwhile, Russia is building military bases there and expanding its fleet with nuclear submarines capable of carrying nuclear weapons.