Russian submarines with the capacity to carry 16 ballistic missiles each reportedly sailed into the north Atlantic last month. The submarines were sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin just hours after he put his nuclear forces on a "special" state of alert following the invasion of Ukraine, The Times reports.
British Navy chiefs regarded the move as "posturing", as opposed to an actual threat, when western militaries tracked it four weeks ago. The submarines were soon called back and normal levels of activity have since continued but western intelligence agencies have increased their monitoring of Russia's nuclear arsenal in the wake of the move.
These type of submarines can carry "strategic" missiles which have the capability to destroy a town or city. Analysts believe Russia's use of such nuclear weapons is "unthinkable".
