Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
A navy frigate was sent to track the sub.
A navy frigate was sent to track the sub.
What is happening?
A French navy frigate recently tracked a Russian submarine that surfaced off the coast of Brittany, NATO confirmed.
The sighting, made during routine monitoring of maritime approaches, prompted a swift response from the alliance.
NATO’s Maritime Command posted on X, “The Alliance is ready to defend the entire Atlantic area.”
NATO remains alert across the Atlantic
NATO reassured the public that it remains fully committed to safeguarding European waters.
“NATO is prepared to defend our Alliance with constant vigilance and maritime awareness across the Atlantic,” its maritime command said.
Monitoring missions like this are a key part of NATO’s regular patrols in the North Atlantic.
Identified sub: Russia’s Novorossiisk
The submarine detected is believed to be the Novorossiisk (B-261), according to the UK Defence Journal.
It’s part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and is classified as a Kilo II-class diesel-electric attack sub, under Project 636.3.
These types are known for their stealth and versatility.
Built for long, deep missions
Launched in 2013 and entering service in 2014, the Novorossiisk was constructed at Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg.
The vessel is 74 meters long with an underwater displacement of around 3,100 tons.
It can stay submerged for up to 45 days and dive to depths of 300 meters.
Armed with torpedoes and cruise missiles
The submarine is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes.
These can fire standard torpedoes, deploy naval mines, or launch Kalibr cruise missiles, which have been used in various Russian military operations.
This makes the sub a key part of Moscow’s naval strategy.
A history of Mediterranean deployments
The Novorossiisk has been active in the Mediterranean, supporting Russia’s military operations in Syria.
It has carried out several missions as part of the Russian Navy’s Mediterranean Task Force, playing a tactical role far beyond the Black Sea.
A controversial stop in Spain
In 2015, the submarine drew criticism from British officials after it docked in Ceuta, a Spanish port near Gibraltar.
The visit raised concerns due to its proximity to a strategic British territory, adding to tensions between Russia and NATO members.
Reports of technical issues unconfirmed
Russian social media claimed in late September that the Novorossiisk experienced a fuel leak.
However, the UK Defence Journal stated the damage remains unconfirmed.
On Monday, Russia officially denied that the submarine had suffered any technical problems during its appearance near France.
Russia’s growing submarine activity
Just weeks earlier, Russia’s nuclear submarine Arkhangelsk took part in the Zapad-2025 exercises
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, it simulated the launch of Kalibr missiles in the Barents Sea.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
