Security: Russian destroyer off Fehmarn - the role played by the "Severomorsk"

The Russian navy is once again making its presence felt in the western Baltic Sea: according to media reports, the destroyer "Severomorsk" is currently in position near Fehmarn. The Federal Ministry of Defence confirmed the reports. The 163-metre-long combat ship is not transmitting an active AIS signal.

"Visit" comes as little surprise

The striking silhouette of the "Severomorsk" off the Fehmarnbelt not only symbolises the major changes in the Baltic Sea region in recent times, from disruptive and sabotage actions on the Russian side to successful Ukrainian drone attacks.

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The "visit" comes as no surprise: according to consensus assessments from the political, military and scientific communities, the Russian leadership is pursuing several operational and strategic objectives with this form of deployment:

Demonstrating strength vis-à-vis NATO

On the one hand, the aim is to show the flag in the truest sense of the word and demonstrate strength. Although the position off Fehmarn is in international waters, it is nevertheless on the doorstep of several NATO member states.

Since Finland and Sweden joined the alliance in response to the changed security situation in Europe following the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has been the only Baltic Sea neighbour outside the alliance.

Protection of the Russian shadow fleet

Another reason is probably the protection of ships in the Russian shadow fleet. Their deployment is intended to circumvent international sanctions against Russia. At the same time, the ships are also suspected of being involved in sabotage operations - such as damaging undersea data cables.

The third reason is probably reconnaissance. NATO, which now includes all the countries bordering the Baltic Sea except Russia, has also expanded its activities in response to the new security situation.

NATO's Standing Maritime Task Force 1 is currently operating in the Baltic Sea with the German frigate "Sachsen" as its flagship. The multinational organisation is commanded by a British woman: Commodore Maryla Ingham from the Royal Navy.

Deployment concept from the Cold War

Even though the Ukrainian attacks on Russian ships and shore-based infrastructure in the St. Petersburg area were the first combat operations in the Baltic Sea since 1945, the concept of an outpost on the Fehmarnbelt was part of the general strategy of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War. This task was mostly carried out by battleships of the People's Navy of the GDR.

"Severomorsk": a cold warrior

Just like the tactics, the "Severomorsk" itself dates back to the Cold War era: the almost 7,000 tonne destroyer was commissioned in 1987 and is comparatively heavily armed, in line with the doctrine of the time.

Its guided missiles are intended for use against sea targets, primarily submarines. It belongs to the Russian Northern Fleet and is stationed in Severomorsk, a naval base on the Barents Sea.

Sailors and pleasure boaters are also increasingly coming into contact with military units on the Baltic Sea. How to behave in such situations, read here.