NATO Intensifies ASW Operations Against Russian Submarines

In the last two weeks, NATO forces have significantly intensified ASW operations in the Norwegian Sea. These operations are carried out to detect the activities of Russian submarines in the region, and it is reported that more than 30 maritime patrol flights take place.

The visible increase in NATO air and naval patrols in the Norwegian Sea, along with flights conducted by P-8A Poseidon aircraft belonging to allied nations, points to an unusual concentration of efforts to detect and track Russian submarines. It is assessed that these operations are driven by suspicions that Russian submarines try to follow the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier as it deploys to the region in order to capture its acoustic signature.

While NATO officials do not make an official statement, the purpose of the operations is seen as ensuring the security of the aircraft carrier and preventing possible intelligence-gathering activities by Russian submarines.

P-8A Poseidon MPA aircraft take part in the ASW operations

The air operations involve P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the U.S. Navy, and the Royal Air Force. France also contributes with at least one Breguet Atlantique 2 aircraft. This demonstrates broad NATO cooperation in ASW in the Norwegian Sea.

U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft participate in patrols both from Naval Air Station Keflavik in Iceland and from Sigonella Air Base in Sicily. British aircraft operate from RAF Lossiemouth, while Norwegian Poseidons support the missions from Evenes Air Base in northern Norway. P-8As play a critical role in submarine detection and tracking with their modern sonobuoy deployment systems, MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detection) capability, and advanced acoustic processing software.

A U.S. submarine supports NATO ASW operations

These activities are not limited to air operations, as many NATO warships also carry out patrol missions in the region. The U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) departs from Faslane Naval Base in the United Kingdom on August 25 and deploys to the Norwegian Sea. It is also believed that more NATO submarines may be operating in the area.

In recent weeks, numerous reports have indicated an increase in Russian submarine activity. This surge has drawn particular attention following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement, in response to provocative statements by former Russian Prime Minister and current Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, that two U.S. nuclear submarines would be deployed to the necessary areas. Open-source analyses suggest that the Russian submarines believed to be operating covertly off the coast of Norway could include one Akula-class and one Yasen-class submarine.

Russian submarines pursue the U.S. aircraft carrier

The presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Norwegian Sea creates a high-value intelligence opportunity for Russia. NATO’s intensive ASW activities are considered critical measures to minimize this risk.

According to experts, the operations of USS Gerald R. Ford in the Norwegian Sea provide Russian submarines with a critical chance to collect intelligence about the aircraft carrier and capture its acoustic signature. NATO’s intensified patrols and air operations are seen as proactive steps to prevent this possibility.

The developments are also linked to the sea trials of Russia’s newest Yasen-class nuclear submarine Perm. The submarine has recently left port and begun sea trials in the Barents and Norwegian Seas. NATO’s increased patrol activity may be directly connected to tracking these trials and observing them to gather information on the submarine’s capabilities. With these operations, NATO not only protects the USS Gerald R. Ford but also gains the opportunity to observe the capabilities of Russia’s new generation submarines.