Russia is building an underwater surveillance network using American technology

Russia has set up a secret underwater surveillance system in the Arctic to protect its nuclear submarine fleet, procuring high-tech equipment through covert channels, including sonar systems, underwater drones, and sophisticated antennas that can track the movements of American submarines.

This was reported by The Washington Post, citing financial and court documents, as well as data from Western intelligence agencies that investigated supplies through shell companies, in particular the Cypriot firm Mostrello Commercial Ltd.

According to the publication, Moscow is hiding its participation in the procurement by using a network of shell companies that allows it to obtain sensitive sonar equipment, underwater drones capable of operating at depths of up to 3,000 meters, as well as sophisticated underwater antennas and a fleet of commercial vessels that perform installation work for the military.

Security experts say the project is part of a years-long secret initiative to create a monitoring system in the Arctic, where Russian submarines with intercontinental ballistic missiles are based. The Harmony system, in particular, uses sensors on the seabed to detect American submarines near Russian naval bases, making it more difficult for potential strikes on the Russian nuclear fleet.

At the center of the procurement chain is the Cypriot company Mostrello Commercial Ltd., which over more than a decade has purchased equipment worth tens of millions of dollars from companies in the United States, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and other NATO countries.

Financial documents show that most orders, which included sonar, fiber optic cable and underwater antennas, went through addresses in Germany, which allowed for a reduced level of control by suppliers.

Representatives of the supplier companies stated that they were unaware of the military purpose of the orders and received guarantees from Mostrello for the civilian use of the equipment.

As reported, Russia is increasing its military presence in the Arctic and preparing a springboard for resource expansion.

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