Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
It has the potential to reshape the global nuclear threat.
Russia is the world’s largest nuclear power when measured by the number of warheads.
Estimates of Russian nuclear stockpiles vary, but a March 2025 report from the Federation of American Scientists estimated that Russia would possess 4,400 warheads in 2026..
For comparison, the United States is estimated to possess 3,700 warheads in 2026.
And now, a concerning Russian nuclear project has come to light.
Cold War revival
According to a joint investigation by German public broadcasters WDR and NDR, a secretive Russian program codenamed Skif is developing a way to place nuclear-capable missiles on the seabed of the Arctic Ocean.
The plan involves anchoring specialized missile systems inside custom-built silos hundreds of meters below the surface. Western intelligence data suggests these weapons are designed to remain quietly underwater for long periods and can be activated remotely by official order.
Tagesschau reported on May 21 that the military logic is clear: hiding nuclear weapons in deep ocean zones makes them almost impossible to track or destroy. However, doing so would circumvent international legal restrictions and violate the 1971 Seabed Arms Control Treaty.
Deep-sea shadows
To build this underwater infrastructure, Moscow requires specialized equipment. According to United24Media, NATO intelligence suggests Russia could deploy the Zvezdochka, a massive transport ship based in Severodvinsk that has been modified to carry oversized naval equipment.
Operational tracking also points to the likely involvement of the unique submarine Sarov, which tests advanced maritime technology in complete secrecy.
If verified, the project would represent a dangerous attempt to strengthen Russia’s nuclear deterrence posture. But the deep ocean is not the only place where the Kremlin is expanding its military footprint.
Unannounced nuclear drill
Russia surprised the rest of the world earlier this week by launching an unannounced military exercise focused on the covert relocation of nuclear-capable missile systems.
This prompted NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to warn Russia of a “devastating” response if the Kremlin were to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Sources: WDR, NDR, Tagesschau, NATO intelligence, Yle, United24Media, NATO press pool
