NATO suspects Russia of preparing a nuclear project on the ocean floor
NATO intelligence suspects that Russia may be working on deploying missiles with nuclear warheads on the Arctic seabed. According to Western journalists and intelligence agencies, this involves the secret “Scythians” project, which Moscow may have been developing for several years, Tagesschau reports.
NATO intelligence services have recently been closely monitoring the activities of Russia’s Northern Fleet due to suspicions that the Kremlin may be preparing a new system of covert nuclear deterrence—right on the ocean floor.
According to an investigation by German broadcasters WDR and NDR, as well as information obtained from NATO sources, this involves a secret project called “Scythians.” As part of this project, Russia allegedly plans to deploy missiles with nuclear warheads in special containers or silos on the seabed of the Arctic Ocean.
According to the journalists, the missiles could be installed at a depth of several hundred meters and remain there for a long time in standby mode. If necessary, they could be launched remotely. “The missiles could remain on the seabed for years and be activated on command,” the report states, citing sources in NATO intelligence.
The investigation also mentions Russian ships and submarines that may be involved in the project. Among them are the special transport vessel “Zvezdochka,” based in Severodvinsk, and the submarine “Sarov,” which, according to Western sources, can be used for technical operations at great depths.
Fears regarding the possible covert deployment of nuclear weapons in the world’s oceans have existed since the Cold War. It was for this reason that in 1970, the UN adopted an international treaty prohibiting the deployment of nuclear weapons on the seabed. Dozens of countries signed it at the time, including the USSR and the United States. Russia has not yet officially commented on reports of a possible “Scythians” project. At the same time, Western analysts believe that such systems could become another element of nuclear pressure from the Kremlin amid deteriorating relations with the West.
Experts also emphasize that verifying such facilities in the Arctic is extremely difficult due to great depths, harsh weather conditions, and the secretive nature of Russian military programs.
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