Thord Are Iversen
@thelookout.bsky.social
Military and defense issues, as seen from NATOs northern flank.
Special interest: The Russian Navy.
Independent Defense Analyst, all analysis and opinions are my own
Special interest: The Russian Navy.
Independent Defense Analyst, all analysis and opinions are my own
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
2-2
A photos from the RV "Akademik IOFFE" expedition, from the northern part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the "Freedom and Depth" project is being filmed.
📸M. Tolstoy/V. Marin
A photos from the RV "Akademik IOFFE" expedition, from the northern part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the "Freedom and Depth" project is being filmed.
📸M. Tolstoy/V. Marin
November 14, 2025 at 7:17 PM
2-2
A photos from the RV "Akademik IOFFE" expedition, from the northern part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the "Freedom and Depth" project is being filmed.
📸M. Tolstoy/V. Marin
A photos from the RV "Akademik IOFFE" expedition, from the northern part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the "Freedom and Depth" project is being filmed.
📸M. Tolstoy/V. Marin
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
1-2
A photos from the RV "Akademik IOFFE" expedition, from the northern part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the "Freedom and Depth" project is being filmed.
📸M. Tolstoy/V. Marin
A photos from the RV "Akademik IOFFE" expedition, from the northern part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the "Freedom and Depth" project is being filmed.
📸M. Tolstoy/V. Marin
November 14, 2025 at 7:17 PM
1-2
A photos from the RV "Akademik IOFFE" expedition, from the northern part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the "Freedom and Depth" project is being filmed.
📸M. Tolstoy/V. Marin
A photos from the RV "Akademik IOFFE" expedition, from the northern part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the "Freedom and Depth" project is being filmed.
📸M. Tolstoy/V. Marin
We will have to wait for overhead confirmation but that this photo shows Nakhimov returning from the second sea trial period is likely.
Project 11442M Kirov-class heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov".
The ship is likely returning to Severodvinsk from sea trials(№2).
Photo by Trefilova(~Nov. 7)
The ship is likely returning to Severodvinsk from sea trials(№2).
Photo by Trefilova(~Nov. 7)
November 8, 2025 at 2:06 PM
We will have to wait for overhead confirmation but that this photo shows Nakhimov returning from the second sea trial period is likely.
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
Today in 1962, the United States conducted TIGHTROPE—its last fully-atmospheric nuclear test—as part of Operation Fishbowl. A Nike Hercules SAM was fired 69,000 feet into the sky, where its W31 warhead exploded 2 miles south-southwest of Johnston Island with a reported yield of 10 kilotons.
November 4, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Today in 1962, the United States conducted TIGHTROPE—its last fully-atmospheric nuclear test—as part of Operation Fishbowl. A Nike Hercules SAM was fired 69,000 feet into the sky, where its W31 warhead exploded 2 miles south-southwest of Johnston Island with a reported yield of 10 kilotons.
Interesting:
Today at 1109Z what looks like a mass spoof event of AIS-signal took place in central Baltic Sea.
In an area from approximately Bornholm to mid Gulf of Finland hundreds (thousands?) of new AIS-messages suddenly appeared. A large part of them military ships.
In an area from approximately Bornholm to mid Gulf of Finland hundreds (thousands?) of new AIS-messages suddenly appeared. A large part of them military ships.
November 2, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Interesting:
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
Future RF Navy Barskov-class tanker Valentin Rykov departed Lomonosov on 28 October for continuation of sea trials; rendezvoused with Black Sea Fleet sistership Vitse-Admiral Paromov in Gulf of Finland on 29 October
November 2, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Future RF Navy Barskov-class tanker Valentin Rykov departed Lomonosov on 28 October for continuation of sea trials; rendezvoused with Black Sea Fleet sistership Vitse-Admiral Paromov in Gulf of Finland on 29 October
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
Frigate «Admiral Grigorovich».
Project 864 Vishnya-Class AGI ship SSV-175 "Viktor Leonov».
Project 03182 replenishment vessel «Vice-Admiral Paromov».
Project 21631 Buyan-M class corvette «Grad»(575).
Project 22800 Karakurt-class corvette «Amur».
Kronstadt.
Photo by Sokolova (Nov. 2)
Project 864 Vishnya-Class AGI ship SSV-175 "Viktor Leonov».
Project 03182 replenishment vessel «Vice-Admiral Paromov».
Project 21631 Buyan-M class corvette «Grad»(575).
Project 22800 Karakurt-class corvette «Amur».
Kronstadt.
Photo by Sokolova (Nov. 2)
November 2, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Frigate «Admiral Grigorovich».
Project 864 Vishnya-Class AGI ship SSV-175 "Viktor Leonov».
Project 03182 replenishment vessel «Vice-Admiral Paromov».
Project 21631 Buyan-M class corvette «Grad»(575).
Project 22800 Karakurt-class corvette «Amur».
Kronstadt.
Photo by Sokolova (Nov. 2)
Project 864 Vishnya-Class AGI ship SSV-175 "Viktor Leonov».
Project 03182 replenishment vessel «Vice-Admiral Paromov».
Project 21631 Buyan-M class corvette «Grad»(575).
Project 22800 Karakurt-class corvette «Amur».
Kronstadt.
Photo by Sokolova (Nov. 2)
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
Launch of submarine Khabarovsk In Severodvinsk
Sentinel 2 low resolution satelitte imagery, 2025-11-02 09:11:51Z
Sentinel 2 low resolution satelitte imagery, 2025-11-02 09:11:51Z
November 2, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Launch of submarine Khabarovsk In Severodvinsk
Sentinel 2 low resolution satelitte imagery, 2025-11-02 09:11:51Z
Sentinel 2 low resolution satelitte imagery, 2025-11-02 09:11:51Z
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
This photos, showing a torpedo launched from an XLUUV (it’s not fully submerged, that’s normal for this stage of trials), puts the Indonesians ahead of all Western countries in this regard! Why are European navies sleeping?!?!
More info:
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
More info:
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
November 2, 2025 at 9:55 AM
This photos, showing a torpedo launched from an XLUUV (it’s not fully submerged, that’s normal for this stage of trials), puts the Indonesians ahead of all Western countries in this regard! Why are European navies sleeping?!?!
More info:
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
More info:
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
New Minuteman III test coming up.
I say this a lot about Russian tests but now it must be said about American ones too:
Test schedules are planned long in advance and such tests are perfectly normal, unlikely to be related to recent events.
I say this a lot about Russian tests but now it must be said about American ones too:
Test schedules are planned long in advance and such tests are perfectly normal, unlikely to be related to recent events.
1/x
Navigational Warnings have appeared that point to the (unarmed) test #launch of a US #Minuteman-III #ICBM from Vandenberg targetting the Ronald Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein, Nov 5-6
Navigational Warnings have appeared that point to the (unarmed) test #launch of a US #Minuteman-III #ICBM from Vandenberg targetting the Ronald Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein, Nov 5-6
October 31, 2025 at 12:52 PM
New Minuteman III test coming up.
I say this a lot about Russian tests but now it must be said about American ones too:
Test schedules are planned long in advance and such tests are perfectly normal, unlikely to be related to recent events.
I say this a lot about Russian tests but now it must be said about American ones too:
Test schedules are planned long in advance and such tests are perfectly normal, unlikely to be related to recent events.
This is interesting:
🔺Baltic Naval reinforcement activity
The Russian Navy likely transferred a Pr.22800 Karakurt class missile corvette to the Baltic Sea, mid-October 2025.
Unit may be Black Sea Fleet MRK-646 “Amur”
Superstructure de-rig/re-rig, for inland waterway transit, visible.
The Russian Navy likely transferred a Pr.22800 Karakurt class missile corvette to the Baltic Sea, mid-October 2025.
Unit may be Black Sea Fleet MRK-646 “Amur”
Superstructure de-rig/re-rig, for inland waterway transit, visible.
October 30, 2025 at 3:28 PM
This is interesting:
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
🔺Baltic Naval reinforcement activity
The Russian Navy likely transferred a Pr.22800 Karakurt class missile corvette to the Baltic Sea, mid-October 2025.
Unit may be Black Sea Fleet MRK-646 “Amur”
Superstructure de-rig/re-rig, for inland waterway transit, visible.
The Russian Navy likely transferred a Pr.22800 Karakurt class missile corvette to the Baltic Sea, mid-October 2025.
Unit may be Black Sea Fleet MRK-646 “Amur”
Superstructure de-rig/re-rig, for inland waterway transit, visible.
October 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM
🔺Baltic Naval reinforcement activity
The Russian Navy likely transferred a Pr.22800 Karakurt class missile corvette to the Baltic Sea, mid-October 2025.
Unit may be Black Sea Fleet MRK-646 “Amur”
Superstructure de-rig/re-rig, for inland waterway transit, visible.
The Russian Navy likely transferred a Pr.22800 Karakurt class missile corvette to the Baltic Sea, mid-October 2025.
Unit may be Black Sea Fleet MRK-646 “Amur”
Superstructure de-rig/re-rig, for inland waterway transit, visible.
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
🔺OOA activty - Heads up!
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet tanker “Yelnya” is a strong candidate to conduct an autumn OOA deployment.
⚠️Alternatively, Yelnya could deploy more widely as part of a Baltic Fleet regional engagement TG.
@thelookout.bsky.social @yoruk.bsky.social @mrfrantarelli.bsky.social
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet tanker “Yelnya” is a strong candidate to conduct an autumn OOA deployment.
⚠️Alternatively, Yelnya could deploy more widely as part of a Baltic Fleet regional engagement TG.
@thelookout.bsky.social @yoruk.bsky.social @mrfrantarelli.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 1:45 PM
🔺OOA activty - Heads up!
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet tanker “Yelnya” is a strong candidate to conduct an autumn OOA deployment.
⚠️Alternatively, Yelnya could deploy more widely as part of a Baltic Fleet regional engagement TG.
@thelookout.bsky.social @yoruk.bsky.social @mrfrantarelli.bsky.social
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet tanker “Yelnya” is a strong candidate to conduct an autumn OOA deployment.
⚠️Alternatively, Yelnya could deploy more widely as part of a Baltic Fleet regional engagement TG.
@thelookout.bsky.social @yoruk.bsky.social @mrfrantarelli.bsky.social
Poseidon test related:
The special purpose submarine Belgorod, Poseidon trials support ship Akademik Aleksandrov and the auxiliary Zvezdochka was highly likely missing from their usual piers in Severodvinsk by the 23rd and high likely still missing on the 28th.
The special purpose submarine Belgorod, Poseidon trials support ship Akademik Aleksandrov and the auxiliary Zvezdochka was highly likely missing from their usual piers in Severodvinsk by the 23rd and high likely still missing on the 28th.
October 30, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Poseidon test related:
The special purpose submarine Belgorod, Poseidon trials support ship Akademik Aleksandrov and the auxiliary Zvezdochka was highly likely missing from their usual piers in Severodvinsk by the 23rd and high likely still missing on the 28th.
The special purpose submarine Belgorod, Poseidon trials support ship Akademik Aleksandrov and the auxiliary Zvezdochka was highly likely missing from their usual piers in Severodvinsk by the 23rd and high likely still missing on the 28th.
Did someone forget to tell Trump that the US Navy launched 4 Trident II's just a little over a month ago?
I dislike overanalyzing Trump's statements and posts but the one in question is open for interpretation (fortunately).
www.navy.mil/Press-Office...
I dislike overanalyzing Trump's statements and posts but the one in question is open for interpretation (fortunately).
www.navy.mil/Press-Office...
www.navy.mil
October 30, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Did someone forget to tell Trump that the US Navy launched 4 Trident II's just a little over a month ago?
I dislike overanalyzing Trump's statements and posts but the one in question is open for interpretation (fortunately).
www.navy.mil/Press-Office...
I dislike overanalyzing Trump's statements and posts but the one in question is open for interpretation (fortunately).
www.navy.mil/Press-Office...
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
🔺OOA activty - Heads up!
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet tanker “Yelnya” is a strong candidate to conduct an autumn OOA deployment.
⚠️Unit will likely deploy to the Mediterranean Sea as relief for Northern Fleet tanker “Kama” & may get underway next 1-14 days.
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet tanker “Yelnya” is a strong candidate to conduct an autumn OOA deployment.
⚠️Unit will likely deploy to the Mediterranean Sea as relief for Northern Fleet tanker “Kama” & may get underway next 1-14 days.
October 29, 2025 at 5:14 PM
🔺OOA activty - Heads up!
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet tanker “Yelnya” is a strong candidate to conduct an autumn OOA deployment.
⚠️Unit will likely deploy to the Mediterranean Sea as relief for Northern Fleet tanker “Kama” & may get underway next 1-14 days.
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet tanker “Yelnya” is a strong candidate to conduct an autumn OOA deployment.
⚠️Unit will likely deploy to the Mediterranean Sea as relief for Northern Fleet tanker “Kama” & may get underway next 1-14 days.
1/5
Kara Sea Activity
Caveat: Preliminary findings.
On October 28th, when the Poseidon test was conducted according to Putin, there were 6 unidentified ships off the eastern coast of Novaya Zemlya, Kara Sea.
No NOTAM, no PRIP, but well off the path for any civilian traffic.
Kara Sea Activity
Caveat: Preliminary findings.
On October 28th, when the Poseidon test was conducted according to Putin, there were 6 unidentified ships off the eastern coast of Novaya Zemlya, Kara Sea.
No NOTAM, no PRIP, but well off the path for any civilian traffic.
October 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM
1/5
Kara Sea Activity
Caveat: Preliminary findings.
On October 28th, when the Poseidon test was conducted according to Putin, there were 6 unidentified ships off the eastern coast of Novaya Zemlya, Kara Sea.
No NOTAM, no PRIP, but well off the path for any civilian traffic.
Kara Sea Activity
Caveat: Preliminary findings.
On October 28th, when the Poseidon test was conducted according to Putin, there were 6 unidentified ships off the eastern coast of Novaya Zemlya, Kara Sea.
No NOTAM, no PRIP, but well off the path for any civilian traffic.
Been a lot of RUMINT about Khabarovsk over the years but perhaps something is happening soon.
❗RUMINT❗
Rollout of the Project 09851 (alt. 09853) KHABAROVSK-class SSDN "Khabarovsk" is reportedly scheduled for November 1, 2025.
@covertshores.bsky.social @thelookout.bsky.social @mikeplunkett.bsky.social @combatair.bsky.social @salisbot.bsky.social @rstirn.bsky.social @jjdroxford.bsky.social
Rollout of the Project 09851 (alt. 09853) KHABAROVSK-class SSDN "Khabarovsk" is reportedly scheduled for November 1, 2025.
@covertshores.bsky.social @thelookout.bsky.social @mikeplunkett.bsky.social @combatair.bsky.social @salisbot.bsky.social @rstirn.bsky.social @jjdroxford.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Been a lot of RUMINT about Khabarovsk over the years but perhaps something is happening soon.
Ships of special interest in relation to Burevestnik activity now, Northern Fleet's cargo ship Yauza, which is at Novaya Zemlya, and Atomflot's spent nuclear fuel carrier Rossita, currently alongside in Gremikha.
The vessels involved in monitoring Burevestnik tests, appear to be departing Matochkin Shar en masse this morning.
Some "Mission Accomplished" choreography.
But it's not entirely wrapped up yet; as the continued presence of RZK Constanta, Yauza and Teriberka attests.
Some "Mission Accomplished" choreography.
But it's not entirely wrapped up yet; as the continued presence of RZK Constanta, Yauza and Teriberka attests.
October 27, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Ships of special interest in relation to Burevestnik activity now, Northern Fleet's cargo ship Yauza, which is at Novaya Zemlya, and Atomflot's spent nuclear fuel carrier Rossita, currently alongside in Gremikha.
SAC force generation and airborne alert during and just after the Cuban Missile Crisis, increased alert lasted until November 21st, was one very impressive undertaking.
These 66 daily B-52 sorties were supported by 133 daily tanker sorties.
These 66 daily B-52 sorties were supported by 133 daily tanker sorties.
SAC actually moved to a one-eighth airborne alert force at 5:00 PM EDT on October 22—two hours before President Kennedy’s televised address—launching 66 B-52s daily: 36 on the northern route, 28 on the southern route, and 2 to continuously monitor the BMEWS early-warning radar at Thule, Greenland.
October 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
SAC force generation and airborne alert during and just after the Cuban Missile Crisis, increased alert lasted until November 21st, was one very impressive undertaking.
These 66 daily B-52 sorties were supported by 133 daily tanker sorties.
These 66 daily B-52 sorties were supported by 133 daily tanker sorties.
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
Russian AGI Vasiliy Tatischev exit the Baltic PM 251024
October 24, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Russian AGI Vasiliy Tatischev exit the Baltic PM 251024
The Baltic Fleet Ropucha-class LST Aleksandr Shabalin gets some attention and the ship is operating in a rather strange way for being a Ropucha
But, before making bold statemens, one must recognize the peculiarities of the territorial water limits between Rügen and Skagen
But, before making bold statemens, one must recognize the peculiarities of the territorial water limits between Rügen and Skagen
October 24, 2025 at 1:26 PM
The Baltic Fleet Ropucha-class LST Aleksandr Shabalin gets some attention and the ship is operating in a rather strange way for being a Ropucha
But, before making bold statemens, one must recognize the peculiarities of the territorial water limits between Rügen and Skagen
But, before making bold statemens, one must recognize the peculiarities of the territorial water limits between Rügen and Skagen
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
🔺OOA activity - Breaking!
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet Pr.775/II class Ropucha class amphibious vessel BDK-110 "Alexandr Shabalin" VISID departed the Baltic Sea, 23 October 2025.
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet Pr.775/II class Ropucha class amphibious vessel BDK-110 "Alexandr Shabalin" VISID departed the Baltic Sea, 23 October 2025.
October 23, 2025 at 12:57 PM
🔺OOA activity - Breaking!
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet Pr.775/II class Ropucha class amphibious vessel BDK-110 "Alexandr Shabalin" VISID departed the Baltic Sea, 23 October 2025.
Russian Navy Baltic Fleet Pr.775/II class Ropucha class amphibious vessel BDK-110 "Alexandr Shabalin" VISID departed the Baltic Sea, 23 October 2025.
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
It had become apparent to myself & @thelookout.bsky.social that there was Russian activity, possibly related to subsurface detection infrastructure, happening in the Barents Sea.
This is a map we did back in June of 2024, of selected AIS tracks.
It's great to see confirmation from journalists.
This is a map we did back in June of 2024, of selected AIS tracks.
It's great to see confirmation from journalists.
October 23, 2025 at 11:30 AM
It had become apparent to myself & @thelookout.bsky.social that there was Russian activity, possibly related to subsurface detection infrastructure, happening in the Barents Sea.
This is a map we did back in June of 2024, of selected AIS tracks.
It's great to see confirmation from journalists.
This is a map we did back in June of 2024, of selected AIS tracks.
It's great to see confirmation from journalists.
Reposted by Thord Are Iversen
RF Navy Northern Fleet Severodvinsk II-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine Arkhangelsk has been underway since 16 October.
It's been a busy year for Arkhangelsk - 136 underway days and counting...
It's been a busy year for Arkhangelsk - 136 underway days and counting...
October 20, 2025 at 12:28 PM
RF Navy Northern Fleet Severodvinsk II-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine Arkhangelsk has been underway since 16 October.
It's been a busy year for Arkhangelsk - 136 underway days and counting...
It's been a busy year for Arkhangelsk - 136 underway days and counting...