MOSCOW, June 2 (UPI) -- Russia will deploy nuclear submarines in the world's southern seas next year, ending a two-decade absence in the southern latitudes, Russian media report.
A source at the General Staff of the Armed Forces revealed the plans for expanded patrols by Russian submarines to ITAR-Tass Saturday. The source said the expanded range for the nuclear subs will take place as the navy receives new Borey class missile subs.
Russian subs will venture into southern regions they have not traversed since the late 1990s following the break-up of the Soviet Union, the source said.
Voice of Russia reported the resumption of patrols in the southern latitudes are intended to assure military stability and parity worldwide.
"This would serve to solve the tasks of strategic nuclear deterrence not only across the North Pole but also the South Pole," a source told the Russian TV network RT.
Russia's former chief of naval staff, Adm. Viktor Kravchenko, said if it became necessary to launch missiles across the South Pole, "it is technically possible" to do so, RT said.
