By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A French Navy frigate is currently tracking a surfaced Russian submarine off the coast of Brittany, as confirmed by NATO Maritime Command. The submarine is believed to be the Novorossiysk, a Project 636.3 Improved Kilo II-class vessel from Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, known for its previous operations in the Mediterranean. This monitoring is part of NATO’s ongoing maritime surveillance in the North Atlantic, a regular practice. Recent reports suggest a potential diesel fuel leak on the Novorossiysk, though the extent of the damage remains unconfirmed.
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Russia’s “Stealth” Sub Surfaces in NATO Waters—French Warship Moves In
So, the story goes that a Russian submarine, which is being touted as a “stealth” vessel, has surfaced in NATO waters. The surfacing itself, apparently, wasn’t a sudden, dramatic emergence. It seems like this particular submarine, likely the Novorossiysk (B-261), a Project 636.3 Improved Kilo II-class diesel-electric attack submarine, has been having some trouble. I mean, it’s been up and visible for a while, having made its way from the Mediterranean. The fact that it surfaced, coupled with its escort by other navies, paints a picture of a vessel not exactly operating at peak performance.
It’s worth remembering that diesel-electric submarines aren’t necessarily inferior to their nuclear counterparts. They can be remarkably quiet, especially when running on electric power. This silence is a key advantage in certain situations. And here’s a fun fact: some nations, including Sweden and Germany, have demonstrated the effectiveness of diesel-electric subs in wargames, even managing to “sink” U.S. aircraft carriers in simulated scenarios. The fact that they are quiet is one of their main benefits in certain circumstances.
The situation is a bit comical when you consider the “stealth” aspect. I mean, the whole point of a stealth submarine is to avoid detection. If it’s surfaced, the stealth is pretty much out the window. That’s a point well made in several of the comments. The sub is essentially visible to everyone. Some of the comments even joke about the fact, calling the title “stupid ass” since the submarine is no longer stealthy, it has been exposed.
The involvement of a French warship, and the Dutch, isn’t exactly a sign of hostility either, but more of a careful escort. It seems the French, and perhaps other NATO nations, are keeping a watchful eye on this particular vessel. This isn’t necessarily a show of force, but more of a safety measure. It’s common for even broken-down Russian vessels to be escorted through international waters, especially when they are heading home for repairs. This is less about aggression, and more about monitoring and, potentially, damage control.
Let’s be clear: this is not some kind of high-stakes confrontation. It seems that the submarine is, and has been, a bit of a liability and its current situation seems like the best example. It’s not exactly a powerhouse of silent, underwater warfare. It’s more a case of a sub that’s struggling, and various nations are keeping a close eye on it. One of the comments made the assertion that the sub, at one point, was at risk of exploding. This is a problem for the submarine, a problem for the personnel onboard, and a problem for any nation in the vicinity.
The situation also raises questions about the true capabilities of Russian naval equipment. One particularly insightful comment muses that the supposed benefit of their “shitty equipment” is that nobody wants to steal it. While that’s probably not strictly true, it’s an amusing observation. In a world of advanced military technology, a sub that needs to surface for extended periods is definitely not operating at peak performance. The question is also posed – why not seize the submarine for investigation?
The nature of diesel-electric submarines is also worth considering. They’re designed to be stealthy, especially when running on battery power. But they have their limitations, particularly in terms of range and endurance compared to nuclear submarines. However, they are often cheaper to operate and, in certain scenarios, can be even more stealthy than a nuclear vessel. The reference to the Swedish submarine HSwMS Gotland’s exercises with the U.S. Navy is a good example, highlighting the effectiveness of these types of submarines. They are not the ultimate in underwater power, but they do provide distinct advantages.
In the end, this isn’t a tale of Cold War-style espionage or a modern-day naval battle. It’s a story of a struggling submarine, being escorted through international waters. The French warship, the Dutch, and other nations are simply doing their due diligence, ensuring safety and monitoring a situation that probably isn’t ideal for anyone involved. This is more akin to a naval cleanup operation than a display of raw military strength. The title may be a bit dramatic, but the reality is far less so. The situation is also a stark reminder that “stealth” loses its meaning when a submarine has to surface. And sometimes, that’s just the way the sea rolls.