Us deploys Nuclear Submarines near Russia

Us deploys Nuclear Submarines near Russia

Why in News Us deploys Nuclear Submarines near Russia? 

Recently, the United States deployed two nuclear submarines near Russia following strong remarks from a top aide of President Putin. The decision comes amid growing tensions between the two nations. 

Background of the Rising Tensions Between US and Russia

• Cold War Legacy: The Cold War officially ended in 1991, but its impact never fully disappeared. For nearly five decades before that, the US and the Soviet Union were locked in a nuclear arms race and proxy wars. Even after the Soviet collapse, both countries maintained strong military arsenals and global influence. 

• NATO Expansion: Another source of conflict in recent decades has been NATO’s steady expansion. Since 1999, the alliance has welcomed countries like Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and later, several Baltic states. In 2008, tensions escalated when NATO signaled possible membership for Georgia and Ukraine. Later, in 2014, Russia annexed Crimea after Ukraine’s pro-European movement gained momentum. The annexation caused Western nations to impose heavy sanctions, which triggered a new wave of mistrust.

• Military Build-up: In 2019, the US withdrew from the INF Treaty, which had banned intermediate-range nuclear missiles. In 2021, the New START treaty was extended for five years, but experts warned that trust was already low. Both countries have since modernized their nuclear arsenals. Russia has also tested hypersonic weapons and underwater drones. These developments raised fears of destabilizing global security.

• Ukraine War: The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in February 2022 marked a major turning point. The US and Western Countries imposed more sanctions on Russia and increased their defense budgets. Russia, in turn, accused the West of using Ukraine as a proxy to weaken Moscow. As the war continued through 2023 and 2024, both sides hardened their positions. This war became the central issue in US-Russia relations.

Also Read: Three Years of Russia-Ukraine War

What Triggered the Submarine Deployment in August 2025?

• US Final Warning on the Ukraine Conflict: By mid-2025, the war in Ukraine had entered its fourth year with no sign of resolution. President Trump, who returned to office in 2025, announced a tougher stance on international conflicts. In early August 2025, Trump issued a 10-day deadline to Moscow, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and withdrawal of Russian forces from key occupied regions, including parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. He declared that failure to comply would result in a significant military and strategic response from the US.

• Medvedev’s Alarming Statement: Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, now a key figure in the Russian Security Council, issued a disturbing comment during a press conference. He stated that Russia could resort to its “Dead Hand” system. He claimed that Russia would never accept surrender in Ukraine. His words were widely interpreted as a nuclear warning. The gravity of the statement pushed US military planners to reassess the risk.

What is the “Dead Hand” System?

• The “Dead Hand” system is one of the most secretive and dangerous elements of Russia’s military doctrine. 
• It is designed to act as a final response mechanism in case of a devastating nuclear attack. 
• The Soviet Union built the Dead Hand system during the Cold War to launch a nuclear counterattack without needing human command, most likely around the early 1980s.
• Its purpose is to ensure a nuclear counterattack even if all Russian leaders are killed or communication lines are destroyed.
• The system was built to maintain second-strike capability meaning that if an enemy hits first with nuclear weapons, Russia could still launch its own nuclear response automatically.
• The Dead Hand uses sensors that can detect nuclear explosions, sudden loss of communication, seismic activity, and radiation levels. If these indicators suggest a nuclear attack, the system prepares to launch missiles without human orders.
• The system relies on a command missile. It flies across Russian territory and sends coded launch orders to other missiles in silos and submarines.
• In Russian military terminology, the Dead Hand is often called “Perimeter”.
• No other nation has officially revealed the existence of a fully automatic nuclear strike system similar to the Dead Hand.

Details about Important US Nuclear Submarines

• USS Ohio (SSBN-726): The USS Ohio is the lead submarine of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. It entered service in 1981. It was originally designed to carry 24 Trident ballistic missiles, each capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads. The submarine runs on a nuclear reactor and can stay submerged for months. L

• USS Michigan (SSGN-727): The USS Michigan was originally a ballistic missile submarine but was later converted to a guided missile submarine in 2006. This submarine holds the ability to launch 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles that accurately hit land-based targets, and it also helps special units operate underwater using a dry deck shelter.

• USS Seawolf (SSN-21): USS Seawolf led the Seawolf-class attack submarines and officially joined the US Navy fleet in 1997. It is faster and quieter than most other submarines. It goes deeper underwater than most submarines and holds more firepower, with eight torpedo tubes and the ability to fire Tomahawk missiles.

• USS Virginia (SSN-774): The USS Virginia is the lead ship of the Virginia-class attack submarines. It entered service in 2004. It is designed for a wide range of missions including surveillance, intelligence gathering, and land attack. It uses advanced sonar systems and has vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk missiles.

Global Impact of the US Submarine Deployment 

• Russia: Russia is expected to answer the US deployment with its own military steps. In the past, Russia has responded quickly to such threats by increasing the presence of its Borei-class and Yasen-class nuclear submarines. These vessels can carry ballistic and cruise missiles and operate silently in deep waters. Military observers believe Russia may send some of these submarines to the Arctic Ocean or North Atlantic as a warning to the West. 

• NATO: NATO countries are closely watching this standoff. The alliance has already increased troop levels in Eastern Europe since 2022 when the war in Ukraine began. The recent submarine movement could be seen as a sign that tensions are growing beyond Ukraine. NATO officials worry that such military steps may lead to misunderstandings or unintended clashes in sensitive zones like the Baltic Sea or Black Sea. 

• China: China is watching this situation very carefully. While the focus is currently on Russia, Beijing may see an opportunity to act in its own areas of interest, such as Taiwan or the South China Sea. If the US becomes too involved in the European theater, China might test America’s ability to respond to multiple crises. This could upset the regional balance and lead to military build-ups in East Asia.

• Iran: Iran could benefit from the deepening military cooperation between Russia and its partners. In recent years, Iran and Russia have grown closer through arms deals and political support in regions like Syria. If Russia feels cornered by the West, it may offer Iran more nuclear or military technology in return for strategic partnership. This raises concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, especially after the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal.