NATO is Hunting Russia’s “Carrier Killer” Submarines

NATO’s anti-submarine forces are currently hunting one, and possibly two, Russian submarines in the eastern Mediterranean. The submarines, Oscar-II class guided missile boats, was designed to take out aircraft carriers in wartime. Two NATO carriers are operating off the coast of Syria.

The Aviationist aviation blog broke the story, citing military sources who say that several maritime patrol aircraft—including brand-new U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon sub hunters—are scouring the sea for the Russian subs.The American carrier USS Eisenhower and the French Charles De Gaulle are now operating in the eastern Med supporting anti-Islamic State operations in Syria.

The Oscar II-class submarines were specifically designed in the 1980s to stalk and kill high-value enemy ships. Each measures 506 feet long with a beam of 60 feet. At 19,400 submerged, they are some of the largest submarines ever constructed.

Read More- Popular Mechanics

Image courtesy of US Navy