Image for representation purposes only Russia’s Yasen-M-class nuclear-powered submarine, the Arkhangelsk (K-564), launched an Oniks cruise missile from a submerged position in the Barents Sea. The missile travelled more than 200 km and successfully hit the target. The launch was carried out as part of a planned combat training exercise. The area spanning north of Varanger Peninsula and eastwards into the Barents Sea was briefly closed to commercial vessels and air traffic while the drill was underway. Another Oniks missile was launched in the same region of the Barents Sea in March by Yasen-M class submarine Kazan (K-561). The Oniks anti-ship missile has a maximum range of 600 km and can reach a supersonic speed of Mach 2.9. It can be fitted with either a conventional or a nuclear warhead. Commissioned in 2024, Arkhangelsk is one of the most advanced automated submarines in Russia’s Northern Fleet, which operates 3 Yasen-class submarines, of which Arkhangelsk is the newest. They can attain a speed of 16 knots on the surface and up to 31 knots when submerged. The submarines have a complement of 64 officers and crew members. They are equipped with a 4th-generation monoblock nuclear reactor, which means they can sail their entire operational lives without needing to refuel. All submarines are stationed at Zapadnaya Litsa, 65 km from Russia’s northern border with Norway.