15:39 27-09-2025

Russian Borei-Class Submarine Detected 40 km Off Japan’s Coast

USNI News reports Japanese forces detected a Russian Borei-class submarine 40 km off Hokkaido, deployed a patrol plane and missile boat to gather intelligence.

Japanese forces have detected a Russian Navy Borei-class nuclear-powered submarine just 40 kilometers from their coast, USNI News reported. According to the publication, the submarine was accompanied by a missile cruiser and a rescue tug. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the incident.

USNI News specified that the detection occurred near Cape Soya on Hokkaido. In response, Japan deployed a patrol aircraft and sent a missile boat to the area to gather intelligence. The outlet noted that the submarine was a Project 955 vessel armed with Bulava ballistic missiles.

The Russian Navy currently operates three submarines of the baseline Borei class, while subsequent units are being built to the improved Project 955A design. The submarine sighted near Japan belongs to the first series, identifiable by its prominent sail.

Earlier, the Russian Pacific Fleet completed command-and-staff exercises with the joint forces command in the country’s northeast. The drills involved nuclear submarines, Bastion coastal missile system crews, surface ships, and naval aviation. Exercises were conducted in the northern Pacific Ocean as well as off the coasts of Kamchatka and Chukotka.