Also known by the NATO designation Severodvinsk-class, the 13,800-ton Yasen-class attack boats are among the most advanced submarines in the world
Within the next two years, Russia could have its most powerful and silent nuclear submarines permanently patrolling the coast of the United States, the head of the US Northern Command (NORTCOM) told the Senate Armed Services Committee. This was reported by USNI news, the news portal of the US Naval Institute, BTA reported.
Newsweek: Russian nuclear submarines appeared off the coast of the United States, startled the Pentagon
In response to questions from Sen. Joni Ernst about the threat posed by Chinese and Russian missile submarines operating near the United States, NORTHCOM commander Gen. Glenn VanHerk said deployments of Russia’s Yasen-class nuclear-powered missile attack submarines are becoming more frequent.
“The risk is absolutely increasing. Over the last year, Russia has also deployed its Project 885 Yasen in the Pacific,” he said.
“Not only in the Atlantic now, but we have them in the Pacific, and it’s only a matter of time — probably a year or two — before it becomes a constant threat, 24 hours a day. … This impact has reduced the space for taking of decisions by the national senior leader in times of crisis.”
Also known by the NATO designation Severodvinsk-class, the 13,800-ton Yasen-class attack boats are among the most advanced submarines in the world. In particular, the three submarines of this class are capable of a special silent mode of operation, which makes them difficult to detect in the open ocean. In 2018, the Severodvinsk submarine eluded US efforts to locate it for weeks, according to press reports.
Navy officials said the US Navy is increasingly concerned about the effectiveness of Russian submarine forces.
The growing ability of Russian submarines to operate undetected in the Atlantic prompted the Navy to reactivate the US 2nd Fleet and create in 2018 the Atlantic Anti-Submarine Command.
The Russian Navy has planned to build ten Yasen-class attack submarines, with the fourth to be commissioned later this year.
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