Recent developments in submarine warfare are raising serious concerns as U.S. nuclear submarines seem to be decreasing their presence in the Atlantic. This gap is being filled by a significant surge in Russian undersea power, leading to growing anxiety among NATO allies. Russian submarines, particularly the Yasen-class, are now among the most advanced in the world. These nuclear-powered vessels are capable of operating undetected for long periods, posing a significant threat to NATO’s Atlantic defenses. The U.S. Navy has had trouble tracking these submarines, and the Russian fleet’s expansion of both attack submarines and strategic nuclear platforms adds to the urgency.
With the U.S. 2nd Fleet reactivated in 2018 to address these rising threats, the Atlantic is becoming a critical theater for anti-submarine warfare again. The Royal Navy, too, is being pressured to step in to fill gaps left by the shrinking number of U.S. submarines patrolling the region. While the U.S. Navy has taken steps to strengthen its position, including creating new task forces to coordinate submarine-hunting missions, it is clear that NATO faces a new era of submarine warfare reminiscent of the Cold War.
Russian submarine activity has reached levels not seen since then, and their ability to operate near both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the U.S. is causing alarm. The strategic threat is evolving rapidly, pushing the U.S. and its allies to adapt quickly. The Royal Navy, already stretched thin, must now balance its own fleet’s limitations while stepping up to counter Russia’s growing underwater capabilities
