Russia’s Submarine Fleets -Revisiting Second World War strategies?

The first modern submarine was called Holland and was invented by the U.S Navy in 1900. Hailed as one for the greatest intention of the 20th century, submarines had the power to be invisible, especially during warfare and strategy surveillance. The submarines could not act as silent predators but were also less likely to fall prey to attacks. By submerging, the submarines were less vulnerable and could deliver a torpedo, attacking the armour and striking the ship below the waterline. Therefore, even the smallest submarine could attack and sink the largest of battleships. Hence, the design of the submarine itself was a defining feature which attributed to its popularity. Modern submarines like Holland were mainly used during the wars by major powers. The modern technology of submarines emerged as coastal assets in defence and security especially at the major ports. The submarines could not only act as blockades but also as a point of attack for when countered by a threat. 

The building of Holland submarine also spurred the process of development of submarines by both the Soviet Union and Germany. It was the Germans who explored the versatility of the submarines in the open ocean warfare by torpedo-ing merchant navy ships and removing the ship blocked by Great Britain during the First World War.

However, the Soviet did not really enter the submarine game until the 1930's. In WWII, while USSR had the biggest submarine fleet, its usage and importance was restricted due to the geographical challenges. USSR only has entrances in the open ocean, but while they were accessible, lack of infrastructure prevented the optimal utilization of the fleets. Even so, the Soviet fleets were still responsible for the destroying four of the Kriegsmarine subs of Germany during WWII. Off the coast of Estonia, a Soviet Schuka-class sub fired two torpedoes and obliterated the German vessel. Although, the Soviet Submarines were effective and quick in the battles of WWII, Malyuta series subs did not pose a huge threat. They were compact and easy to transport, but not habitable and comfortable for the crew, but they played a huge role in destroying more than 60 enemy transport ships and 8 combat battles.

The Cold War was faced with mutual destruction if either of the side went to war. Building up the SSBN's (Soviet Ballistic Missile Submarines) were also important as they put pressure on the US and its allies and in a way acted as deterrents. Therefore, submarines emerged as a strategic reserve for USSR and the Navy always had to be on guard to strike. This came to be known as the Bastian strategy. But the Soviet, instead of spreading its fleet across the ocean, kept them near their sanctuaries and allied power. While this withholding strategy had its pros, they were also an extremely attractive target for the opponent to gain leverage. The Bastian strategy and its existence is a hotly debated topic amongst the naval scholars across the world.

Post the World War, the Soviet Navy realised the value and importance of the submarines in warfare and hence, began a time for technological advances in the domain. In 1960's and 1970's the USSR's WWII went under rapid modernisation, becoming a sleek new force of submarines, missile cruisers and destroyers. This was the time of the Cold War where the race of development of nuclear prowess was as its peak. This added the to the role of submarines. In WWII, the submarines were mainly used for blockages, deploying the troops and weapons and for attacking in the ocean warfare. With the development of nuclear capacities, it was also pivotal to deploy them and submarines came in handy in this process. The Russian naval subs were also feared the most because it was difficult to track them and they could deliver nuclear missiles close to the submarine shores. Of such submarines, the Akula class also famously known as Typhoon, was a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine which was designed with multiple pressure hulls to make is resistant to flooding and also attacks. It was also one of the quietest Soviet built vessels and could stay submerged for up to 180 days. This submarine till date is used by the Russian Naval forces.

Given the current political scenario and increasing nuclear arsenal, the countries across the world are increasing their strength. While the countries are wary of the rise of China in the domain of navy, Russia is not far behind. It was just few days ago that three Russian navy submarines punched their way through the several feet of sea ice in the Arctic at the same time. While Russia has not named the three vessels which emerged in the latest operations, analysts from their observation identified two of the submarines as Delta IV nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines which were used during the Cold War, and one newer submarine as Borei-class sub. Borei-A is twice as large as Typhoon, faster and stronger. This show of submarines is not the first one and would not be the last one, but it surely important.

Russia since a long time has proposed that Arctic can become a major commercial shipping route and the nuclear powers ice breaking submarines ships will help in this. And the recent blockage of Suez Canal has just promoted this idea more. The blockage of Suez Canal, one of the busiest maritime shipping routes in the world, has not only started a discussion about alternate routes but also innovation in the sector of shipping goods and services. Putin’s sweeping plan to open up Arctic shipping route, building fleets of dozen nuclear ice breakers ties nicely with his idea of diversifying the Russian economy and also building infrastructure and controlling shipping routes.

Russia post the Cold War has developed its Navy, especially its submarines. The wins in Cold War and WWII surely promoted this development and it has resulted in Russia making more deadly Nuclear Submarines. Development of such submarines is an indicator of its growing power and stunts like that in the Arctic also aim to be a signal to the major powers across the world. In a way, the development of subs by Russia is like visiting its past where their submarines and its activities were stronger and capable of destruction, a sign that Russia is learning from its past and is not scared of repeating the history. Given the reducing economic status if the Kremlin and the rise of China which seems like an ally now but really is not, Russia will do anything to project its power in the international politics. Revisiting its WWII and Cold War sub strategies is one way. But it comes with an added bonus – diversification and innovation like using the nuclear-powered subs in the Artic which can also yield economic benefits to Russia.

This surely is a cause of concern for the powers across the world, especially during a time when information, personnel, and data have become vital. Arctic is now emerging as a new commercial shippings area as global warming due to climate changes has led to melting of the ice. Russia has strategically upped its game and has given a clear indication that they are here to stay in the competition just like they were in the past, and such geopolitical displays will now become common and will surely create friction in the region.

Very lately Russian has resumed its submarine expedition closer to what it used to conduct during the Cold war . This means that Russia is trying to gain the status of an expeditionary and potent power in the Indo-pacific region.

Pic Courtesy-Igor Starkov at unsplash.com

(The views expressed are those of the author and does not represent the views of CESCUBE.)