U.S. military commanders and experts are seriously concerned about the activity of the Russian submarine fleet off the U.S. coast. This was confirmed in an interview with Newsweek by professor of the US Naval War College Michael Petersen, who stressed that the Russian nuclear submarines pose a serious problem for American security.
The newest Russian nuclear submarines pose a serious threat to America and are “a critical challenge” that the US has to face right now. That is the warning from U.S. military commanders and experts who sound the alarm about the activity of the Russian submarine fleet off the U.S. coast, Newsweek says.
They also note that since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine last February, the Russian Navy has begun building up its grouping in the Black Sea. According to U.S. officials, the number of Russian submarines spotted near the United States and in the Mediterranean Sea is also growing, the article reported.
In particular, the head of the U.S. Northern Command and NORAD, Air Force Gen. Glenn VanHurk has previously stated that Russia is currently “the main threat” to his country because of the presence of the newest Russian nuclear submarines Severodvinsk class near the U.S. coast, the article notes.
Michael Petersen, director and founder of the Russia Maritime Studies Institute (an American institute that conducts research on military and economic issues related to Russia and the world’s oceans) and a professor at the U.S. Naval War College, expressed the same opinion in an interview with Newsweek.
“I agree with that. Russian doctrine is very clear. They will probably attack the United States when they deem it necessary,” Petersen said, commenting on VanHerck’s remarks.
He explained that he drew such conclusions after reading the document “The Foundations of the Russian Federation’s State Policy for Naval Operations through 2030,” which was signed by President Vladimir Putin in the summer of 2017. According to Petersen, this document reflects the Russian Navy’s “expanded capabilities, its increasing strategic and operational role and future ambitions.”