Russia has trained its navy to use nuclear-powered missiles to attack NATO assets in Europe, preparing for a potential conflict with the alliance.
According to the Financial Times, classified data from 2008 to 2014 show that the Russian navy was ordered 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 given to the Financial Times reveal a comprehensive strategy for the use of conventional and tactical nuclear weapons.
The map shows 32 NATO targets across Europe, focusing on locations in Germany, Norway, and the UK.
The data shows that Russia’s Baltic Fleet will attack Norwegian and German targets, while the Northern Fleet will attack submarine facilities in northwest England.
Russian military officials have highlighted the navy’s high mobility. Which allows it to carry out “sudden preemptive strikes” and “massive missile attacks from different directions.”
Russian Navy Trained to Use Nuclear Missiles Against Europe in Conflict with NATO
The documents also discuss the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons on surface ships, raising concerns about escalation and accidents. The plan emphasizes the use of nuclear strikes at the earliest opportunity, as Russia intends to achieve its goals through a combination of nuclear and conventional weapons.
The leaked data also shows that Russia is trained to use tactical nuclear weapons in the first phase of a major conflict.
While tactical nuclear weapons are less destructive than strategic warheads. They are extremely powerful and capable of striking smaller targets on the battlefield.
Analysts believe that Russian nuclear doctrine considers these weapons to be vital in the early stages of a conflict with NATO, given Russia’s limited conventional resources.
The statement also considers the possibility of demonstration attacks. Where Russia could detonate nuclear weapons in remote areas to intimidate Western countries before an actual conflict breaks out.
NATO estimates indicate that member states have less than 5% of the air defense capabilities to protect the alliance’s eastern flank from a full-scale Russian attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already said that Europe would be “rather defenseless” in the face of a Russian missile attack. Recent exercises using Soviet-era nuclear-tipped missiles suggest that the leaked information reflects Russia’s current military policy.
The conflict in Ukraine has reignited the discussion about nuclear weapons, with senior Russian officials and state media repeatedly pointing to the possibility of nuclear war.
In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted that he will change Russia’s nuclear stance, raising concerns about possible escalation.
