Technical problems may have prevented launch from cruise missile submarine, amid alarm at Vladimir Putin’s veiled atomic threats
Russia likely tried and failed to test a new nuclear-powered torpedo from one of its submarines in recent weeks, according to a senior US source.
Several Russian naval vessels – including the Belgorod, a cruise missile submarine – were recently seen leaving testing areas in the Arctic and heading back to base without conducting any sorts of exercises, the official told CNN on Thursday.
Washington reportedly believes that the vessel may have run into technical problems. The US official, who remains nameless, said Moscow now has a limited window for operations to test the torpedo, as the waters in the area will soon begin to freeze.
“This can be seen as part of the bigger picture and Russia’s recent military practice, sending ill-trained and under-equipped troops to Ukraine,” an unnamed Western diplomat told CNN.