Britain’s plans to establish a naval alliance with Northern European countries to counter Russian submarines could signal growing internal problems within NATO, according to military analyst Mikhail Khodarenok, a retired colonel.

Khodarenok questioned whether the emergence of additional military groupings within the North Atlantic Alliance points to a broader crisis in the organization.

The analyst argued that creating new structures among existing NATO members raises questions about the alliance’s unity and command hierarchy. In particular, he questioned how such arrangements would operate alongside NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

Khodarenok also challenged the justification for the proposed naval coalition, questioning what new threats from Russian submarines had prompted Britain and its Northern European partners to pursue a separate initiative.

He suggested that the formation of additional military structures within NATO could cast doubt on the effectiveness of the alliance’s existing mechanisms.

The military commentator was equally critical of London’s explanation of the initiative, describing the proposed naval partnership as vague and lacking concrete objectives.

According to Khodarenok, British officials have yet to explain precisely how the new coalition intends to counter Russian submarines. He argued that broad statements about containing submarine threats are insufficient without a clear outline of specific measures and operational goals.

The analyst maintained that the proposal currently resembles political rhetoric rather than a detailed military strategy.

Earlier media reports indicated that Britain and several Northern European countries were preparing an agreement to establish a joint naval alliance.

The proposed coalition would operate within the framework of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

Its primary mission would be to deter Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic, the Arctic and the Baltic Sea.