NATO intelligence officials believe Russia is developing underwater nuclear missile systems that could be concealed on the Arctic seabed, according to reports. The alliance has been observing the Russian Northern Fleet and suspects efforts are underway to position missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads on the ocean floor.
German media has reported that the initiative, codenamed 'Scythians', may have been operational for several years. It is believed the missiles would be stationed in the Arctic Ocean within Russian territorial waters, possibly in specially engineered mines or containers. Such launchers could remain on the seabed for extended periods and be launched via remote control, making them extremely difficult to detect and neutralise during wartime.
These developments come amid heightened tensions between NATO and Russia. On May 21, President Vladimir Putin took personal command of massive Russian nuclear war games, ordering multiple test launches. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported test launches of 'Yars' and 'Sineva' intercontinental ballistic missiles, alongside hypersonic missiles from the 'Zircon' and 'Kinzhal' systems. Separately, Belarusian forces test-launched an 'Iskander' missile.
The exercises follow a heated exchange of threats with NATO state Lithuania, amid growing concerns over a potential Putin military offensive in the Baltic region. NATO fighters were scrambled in Lithuania after reports of drone incursions from Russian ally Belarus, which is participating in the nuclear drills alongside Kremlin forces.
