“Powerful ‘Sledgehammer’ Subs: Defending Our Waters Against Aircraft Carriers”
Renowned defense expert Kris Osborn raises concerns regarding the evolving role of Russia's Oscar II-class submarines, once known for their capabilities as "carrier killers." With the industrial strain and the uncertain future of the Project 949AM modernization program following the reported scrapping of the K-132 Irkutsk, the Russian Navy's reliance on active hulls like Omsk and Orel for deterrence is emphasized. This development underscores the challenges faced by the Russian military as it navigates changes in strategic priorities and resource constraints.