Russia’s Northern Fleet drills submarine hunt in Barents Sea
Two of the largest navy vessels based on the Kola Peninsula, “Vice Admiral Kulakov” and “Severomorsk” sailed into the Barents Sea from the Northern Fleet’s main base on Thursday, Russia’s Defense Ministry informs.
“The crews of the vessels will conduct a joint exercise hunting and tracking of submarines,” the press-information reads. Online newspaper Severpost reports both multi-purpose submarines and a strategic submarine taking part in the exercise.
Three minesweepers from the Kola flotilla are also participating in the drill. Live shootings with both torpedoes and depth charge weapons take place.
Simultaneously, the naval vessels will exercise anti-aircraft defense.
Both Russian and NATO submarines are sailing more frequently in northern waters, including both the Barents- and Norwegian Seas.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Surveillance and search and rescue top Canada’s Arctic defence priorities, Radio Canada International
Finland: Finnish Defence Minister slams government over planned defence spending cuts, Yle News
Norway: Norway says Russia’s mock attack on Arctic radar troubles stability in the North, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Northern Fleet submarine claims Russian record in undetected tracking of enemy sub, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Swedish military wants to double in size, Radio Sweden
United States: Trump signs defense bill to allow more missile interceptors in Alaska, Alaska Public Media
