Russia Launches Onyx Missiles in Arctic During Zapad-2025 Drills, Escalating Tensions
Russia Launches Onyx Missiles in Arctic During Zapad-2025 Drills, Escalating Tensions
Russia has conducted significant military exercises in the Arctic, launching Onyx cruise missiles from its Bastion coastal defense system in Franz Josef Land as part of the ongoing Zapad-2025 exercise. The Northern Fleet reported that the missiles successfully struck targets over 200 km away, simulating the destruction of an imagined enemy flotilla in the Barents Sea.
These high-profile drills follow earlier troop landings and the deployment of armored vehicles, underscoring Russia’s strengthened military presence in its northernmost archipelago. The exercise also included mock strikes with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles over the Barents Sea and engagement of the Bal coastal missile system.
The Russian Ministry of War emphasized the Onyx missiles’ near-undetectability and ability to neutralize naval vessels, a clear message aimed at intimidating Norway and its NATO allies. Reports from Norwegian observers suggest one scenario of Zapad-2025 involves an attack and occupation of Svalbard.
With at least 13,000 troops participating, Zapad-2025 marks Russia’s first major strategic exercise of its kind since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, taking place amidst the ongoing conflict and significant Russian military losses. Large sections of the Barents Sea, including parts of the Norwegian exclusive economic zone, have been sealed off for the maneuvers.
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