Russia‘s Northern Fleet launched cruise missiles from its nuclear-powered submarines in the Barents Sea today, demonstrating its military prowess amid rising tensions with NATO.
According to the Interfax news agency, the submarines Severodvinsk and Orel successfully fired Kalibr and Granit cruise missiles over a distance of approximately 106 miles at a target designed to mimic a fleet of enemy landing ships.
“According to objective control data, the combat exercise was completed successfully,” Interfax reported, citing the fleet’s statement. “The missile weapons used have once again confirmed their inherent characteristics and high reliability.”
To ensure safety, the missile testing area was preemptively closed off to civilian maritime and aviation traffic.
The Barents Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean, lies off the northern coasts of Norway and Russia and is shared between Norwegian and Russian territorial waters.
This show of force coincides with a new agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The leaders met in Pyongyang on Wednesday, pledging mutual aid in the event of an attack on either nation. The pact is described as a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” though specific forms of assistance remain unclear.
Putin’s visit to North Korea, his first in 24 years, comes amid growing international concern over potential arms deals.
Reports suggest North Korea might provide Russia with much-needed munitions for its conflict in Ukraine in exchange for economic support and technology that could bolster Kim’s nuclear arsenal and missile programme.
Following the signing ceremony, Putin highlighted that security and international issues were prominent in their discussions. He did not dismiss the possibility of future military-technical cooperation with North Korea.
Kim described the agreement as peaceful and defensive, adding: “I have no doubt it will become a driving force accelerating the creation of a new multipolar world.”
Additionally, Russia and North Korea signed agreements for cooperation in healthcare, medical education, and science, as reported by Russian state media and the Kremlin’s website.