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Russia may be working on a covert military program to deploy nuclear-capable ballistic missiles on the seabed, according to a joint investigation by German broadcasters WDR and NDR.
According to UATV English, citing the investigation, Western intelligence agencies within NATO have been tracking the Russian vessel Zvezdochka, based in Severodvinsk, which is believed to be involved in the classified project.
The initiative, reportedly codenamed “Skif,” is thought to involve placing nuclear-armed missiles on the ocean floor, potentially creating a new type of strategic weapons system.
The report suggests that, in addition to the Zvezdochka, Russia could also deploy the specialized submarine Sarov as part of the project.
According to WDR and NDR, the Skif system may be based on a modified version of the Sineva submarine-launched ballistic missile. NATO sources cited in the investigation say such missiles could be launched from the seabed and would have a range of several thousand kilometers.
Preliminary tests of the system may have been conducted several years ago, the report said.
The findings come amid broader concerns about Russia’s development of advanced nuclear weapons. Earlier, President Vladimir Putin stated that work on systems such as Poseidon and Burevestnik is nearing completion and also referenced potential nuclear capabilities for the Oreshnik missile system.
The reported seabed deployment concept could mark a significant escalation in unconventional nuclear deterrence strategies if confirmed.
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