Russia’s commitment to strengthening its Northern Fleet, especially its submarine capabilities, remains steadfast despite the protracted conflict in Ukraine, according to General Gwyn Jenkins, the top commander of the British Navy. Speaking at a naval conference in Paris on February 3, Jenkins emphasized that Moscow’s aggressive posture is challenging the ability of Western powers to respond effectively.
What happened:
Jenkins said that despite suffering significant costs in terms of both human lives and national resources from its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has continued to invest heavily in its Northern Fleet. He highlighted the country’s ongoing focus on enhancing its subsurface capabilities, which is part of a broader effort to project military power in the region.
Jenkins spoke at the IFRI naval conference along with high-ranking naval chiefs from the United States, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Together, they discussed growing concerns over Russia’s naval activities, particularly in the North Sea and surrounding areas, which are critical to Western defense strategies.
Western reactions and concerns:
Russia’s investment in the Northern Fleet is raising concerns in the West, as it poses a growing challenge to Western naval forces. Jenkins said responding to Russia’s aggressive actions requires significant resources, especially given the rapid pace of technological progress in the naval sector.
“It’s not about having a large number of assets; it’s about the ability to respond quickly and effectively,” Jenkins said, emphasizing that Western allies have little tolerance for allowing aggressive actors to operate close to their borders. The complexity of upgrading and building new naval ships in such a rapidly evolving technological landscape makes it even more challenging for Western powers to maintain a competitive edge.
Shadow fleet and infrastructure threats:
The commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Vice-Admiral Harold Liebreghs, echoed Jenkins’ concerns, noting that Russia’s activity in the North Sea is rapidly increasing. He pointed to Russian ships operating drones in western regions and the presence of the so-called “shadow fleet” – poorly maintained, uninsured ships that support Russia’s war economy. These vessels are believed to be in breach of standard regulations, posing significant risks in an area as vital as the North Sea.
Liberges warned that the increased presence of Russian naval forces in the region was putting the West in a precarious strategic position. “We must not accept this as the new normal,” he said. “It limits our freedom of maneuver and creates a less secure strategic environment.”
looking ahead:
As Russia increases its naval presence in the Northern Fleet, Western powers face an increasing challenge in balancing defense capabilities with the need for quick response. The situation in the North Sea is becoming critical, and the West must consider new strategies to ensure that Russia’s aggressive actions do not go unchecked.
Both Jenkins and Liberges urged a unified and proactive approach to protect the West’s strategic interests, warning that rising tensions in the region could have far-reaching consequences if not addressed.