Russian Navy Trained To Use Nuclear Missiles Against Europe In NATO Conflict

Russia has trained its naval forces to use nuclear-powered missiles to attack NATO assets in Europe in preparation for a possible conflict with the alliance.

According to the Financial Times report, confidential data from 2008 to 2014 reveal that Russia’s navy has been instructed to strike deep into Europe, including targets as far away as the west coast of France and Barrow-in-Furness in the UK.

The documents obtained by Western sources and shown to the Financial Times reveal a comprehensive strategy for using both conventional and tactical nuclear weapons.

The presentation’s maps show 32 NATO targets across Europe, with a focus on sites in Germany, Norway, and the UK.

The data reveals that Russia’s Baltic fleet would attack Norwegian and German targets, while the Northern Fleet would target a submarine facility in Northwest England.

Russian military officials have highlighted the navy’s high manoeuvrability, which enables “sudden and pre-emptive blows” and “massive missile strikes from various directions.”

The documents also discuss the possible deployment of nuclear weapons on surface ships, raising concerns about escalation and accidents. The plan highlights the early employment of nuclear strikes, with Russia intending to achieve its goals through a combination of nuclear and conventional weapons.

The leaked data also reveal that Russia had practiced the use of tactical nuclear weapons in the early stage of a major conflict.

Tactical nuclear weapons, while less destructive than strategic warheads, are extremely powerful and capable of striking smaller targets on the battlefield.

Analysts believe that Russia’s nuclear doctrine considers these weapons crucial in the initial phases of a conflict with NATO due to Russia’s limited conventional resources.

The data also discusses the possibility of a demonstration strike where Russia might detonate a nuclear weapon in a remote area to intimidate Western nations before an actual conflict.

NATO estimates that member countries have less than 5% of the air defense capacity required to protect the alliance’s eastern flank from a full-fledged Russian attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already stated that Europe would be “more or less defenseless” against Russian missile strikes, and recent exercises using Soviet-era missiles with nuclear warheads indicate that the leaked information reflects current Russian military policy.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has revived discussions on nuclear weapons, with prominent Russian officials and state media constantly mentioning the possibility of nuclear war.

Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at changing Russia’s nuclear position, raising concerns about possible escalation.

Reference: FirstPost, Newsweek

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Source: Maritime Shipping News