USS Gerald R. Ford vs "Ash Trees": how NATO hunted for a Russian submarine in the Arctic

 

Why did Ford go to the Norwegian Sea

At the end of August 2025, the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the most expensive and technologically advanced ship in the world, entered the waters north of Norway. His strike group was part of a multinational NATO force, including ships from Britain, France, Germany and Norway. It was not just a visit: Ford became the center of the largest anti-submarine operation since the Cold War.

The main goal is to demonstrate the US presence in the Arctic and to test the allies' readiness to act in extreme conditions. But soon things got more serious: signs of Russian submarine activity appeared in the depths of the Norwegian Sea.

Three Ash trees in the open sea — a signal or a threat?

The intelligence information was alarming: all three nuclear submarines of the Yasen project — Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk and Kazan — left their base on the Kola Peninsula. These boats are among the most dangerous in the Northern Fleet. They can launch Kalibr cruise missiles and Zircon hypersonic missiles capable of hitting targets at a distance of more than 1,000 km.

For NATO, the fact of their going to sea is already a challenge. Especially if they are approaching the area where Gerald R. Ford is located. A strike on an aircraft carrier, even a simulated one, would have given Russia a huge propaganda gain.

Aerial Hunting: P-8 Poseidon and Hammer Tactics

The NATO response was instant. P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft from the United States, Great Britain and Norway began a massive patrol near the Lofoten Islands. In 48 hours, more than 27 sorties were flown. The machines dropped hundreds of radiosondes, listened to the bottom and searched for the slightest acoustic anomalies.

If there was a target, the "hammering" tactic was used: continuous sonar pulses and dense buoy fields. This long-standing Cold War practice puts the submarine's crew in a stressful state, makes it difficult to hide, and may force them to retreat. In fact, this is psychological and technical suppression.

Why the Arctic has become a battlefield again

The Norwegian Sea is a key passage between the Atlantic and the Arctic. Controlling it means controlling the reinforcement routes for Europe. Russia has been strengthening the Northern Fleet for a long time, and the melting of the ice opens up new ways for warships.

This incident is not an isolated incident. He is part of a new reality: the competition of the great powers is going underwater again. Submarines monitor each other, planes patrol, and surface ships demonstrate strength. At the same time, both sides comply with the rules (for example, the INCSEA agreement) in order to avoid accidental collisions.

But the tension is growing. And each such episode reminds us that a real war can begin not with a shot, but with a signal on the sonar screen.

Sources

1. Defence Security Asia — NATO’s high-intensity hunt for a Russian Yasen boat threatening USS Gerald R. Ford; strategic Arctic showdown
2. Army Recognition — Large-scale ASW operation in Norwegian Sea with P-8A Poseidon & multi-national forces
3. Arctic Today — All three Northern Fleet Yasen-class subs at sea during Allied carrier exercise
4. Yahoo News UK — Analysis of U.S. carrier group vs Russian submarine stand-off
5. High North News — U.S. destroyers & Norwegian frigate patrol Arctic as NATO forces search for Russian attack boat
6. Responsible Statecraft — Strategic threat assessment of Yasen-class boats and their modern weapons
7. Newsweek — Photos of Russian units shadowing U.S./NATI strike group off northern Norway

Project Pandora: How the US and USSR Spied Not Just on Diplomats, But on Their Minds

At the height of the Cold War, when the arms race had reached space, the US and the USSR launched another, secret competition—one on the edge of science and science fiction. This wasn’t about bombs or missiles, but about controlling the human mind using invisible waves. At the heart of this dark chapter stood Project Pandora, a classified US government program aimed at discovering whether human thought, emotion, or even behavior could be manipulated simply by directing microwaves at the brain.

The Beginning: The "Moscow Signal" and the Mysterious Beam

It all started in 1953, when the US Embassy in Moscow detected a strange phenomenon: the building was constantly bombarded by a low-intensity microwave signal. The Soviets claimed it was just radio interference or an attempt to jam surveillance devices—essentially, “We’re not spying on you, but we won’t let you spy on us.” But in Washington, fears ran deeper: what if this was a secret mind-control experiment? What if the beam wasn’t just eavesdropping—but directly affecting the brain?

This irradiation continued for 23 years, from 1953 to 1976. Embassy staff reported headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and even tumors. They became known as victims of the "Moscow Signal syndrome." The US government long downplayed the risks, claiming the "rays were harmless," yet still paid hazard pay and eventually shielded the building—as if it were radioactive.

Project Pandora: When Science Entered the Game

By the mid-1960s, alarm had reached a peak. American officials realized: if the USSR could do this, the US needed to understand how it worked. So in 1965, Project Pandora was born, initiated by ARPA (the predecessor of DARPA) and supported by the CIA. The official goal: study the biological effects of microwaves on humans and animals. The real one: determine whether mind-control weapons could be developed.

The program ran until 1970, but its consequences are still felt today.

What Did They Do?

Scientists conducted brutal experiments, mostly on monkeys. Animals were exposed to microwaves of varying frequencies to observe changes in behavior, brain activity, and health. The results were alarming:

- Monkeys became lethargic, disoriented, and forgot routine tasks.

- Some showed memory loss and aggression.

- Cases of damage to the blood-brain barrier—a critical defense protecting the brain from toxins in the blood—were documented. This could lead to chronic neurological diseases.

But the most shocking discovery was the Frey Effect.

The Frey Effect: Hearing Voices That Aren’t There

In 1961, biophysicist Allan Frey discovered something incredible: at certain microwave frequencies, people hear sounds directly inside their heads—clicks, buzzes, even words—without any external source. No headphones, no speakers. This happens because pulses heat brain tissue, creating a "sound wave" inside the skull.

For the military, this was a gift. Imagine: you could transmit messages directly into an agent’s mind—no radio, no phone. Or, conversely, drive an enemy into paranoia by making them hear voices whispering: "You’re alone. No one trusts you. Run."

This effect became the core focus of Project Pandora. Could it be used for:

- Psychological warfare?

- Covert control?

- Creating the "perfect agent" through remote suggestion?

What Happened Next?

Officially, Project Pandora was shut down in 1970. But as often happens with such programs, closure didn’t mean the end. Researchers believe the work continued under other names.

Among the likely successors were classified programs such as:

- Project Bizarre—studying paranormal phenomena and telepathy.

- SLEEPY LAGOON—experiments with hypnosis and sleep.

- Active Denial System—the "heat ray" using millimeter waves to create a painful burning sensation on the skin (non-lethal, but excruciating).

Pandora in the 21st Century: When the Whole World Is a Transmitter

Today, technology has advanced far beyond. We no longer need giant antennas near embassies. We carry transmitters ourselves—in smartphones, smartwatches, and voice assistants. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G—all create a constant electromagnetic field around us.

Agencies like DARPA are already working on:

- Neural interfaces that read thoughts directly from the brain.

- Remote emotion analysis systems using micro-facial movements or voice patterns.

- Cognitive overload technologies capable of disorienting or suppressing willpower.

And all of this is directly descended from Pandora.

Why Is This Important to Remember?

Project Pandora isn’t just a scary story from the archives. It’s a warning. It shows how easily science can be used not for progress, but for control, manipulation, and suppression. It raises questions we still can’t answer:

- Where is the line between security and surveillance?

- Who should control technologies capable of influencing the mind?

- Or maybe they’re already being used—and we just don’t know?

The shadow of Pandora still looms over discussions about **neuro-weapons, psychotronic technologies, and ethics in intelligence**. And as long as humanity has power and technology, the temptation to control the human mind will remain.

"Dragon Lady" went public: the United States showed a top-secret U-2 spy plane at an airshow in Britain

U-2

Imagine: an airplane created back in the 1950s, during the Cold War era, and it is still at the cutting edge of technology. This is, of course, about the legendary Lockheed U-2, nicknamed the "Dragon Lady". And so, in a rare gesture of openness, the US Air Force decided to show it to the world — at the Royal International Airshow (RIAT) 2025 at the British Fairford Air Base.

This event is not just a beautiful flight of an old man in front of an audience. It's a huge symbol. Showing the U-2 on an international stage is an almost unprecedented thing. Usually this plane is kept under seven locks: it flies at an altitude of almost 21 kilometers — above the clouds, above most rockets, almost like a satellite. His job is to spy. More precisely, to collect intelligence in a way that other systems simply cannot repeat.

At RIAT 2025, the U-2 didn't just stand in a static parking lot — it became one of the main stars of the show. Both tourists and serious people were attracted to him: military analysts, generals, engineers of defense concerns, representatives of NATO. Everyone understands that if the Americans decide to show such a secret, it means they want to convey a message.

Why is this important?

Because the U-2 is not a museum exhibit, but a living, combat instrument. Yes, it is already more than 70 years old, but during this time it has been upgraded hundreds of times. Today, it is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic intelligence systems, high-resolution optics, signal interception devices, and can even work in conjunction with drones and satellites. It is especially valuable where satellites can't cope — for example, when constantly monitoring hot spots or when you need to quickly retarget.

And now, when tensions are rising again in the world — from Ukraine to Taiwan — intelligence is becoming scarce. And the U-2 can do things that many new systems can't: stay on the edge of space, avoid being vulnerable to air defenses, and spend hours peering at details on the ground.

What is the "message" of the USA?

By showing the U-2 at RIAT, the Americans are telling their allies:

"We are still in the lead. We have technologies that have been working for decades, but still remain relevant. And we are ready to share this trust, even if only a little, with our partners."

But it's different for potential opponents.:  

"Yes, you know that we fly. But you still can't reach us."

Interesting details

- The aircraft was painted in a special "black" scheme, typical for operations at night or hidden conditions.

- There are modern antennas and receivers on board, revealing its role in electronic intelligence.

- The U-2 crew went through full training before flying to Europe, including safety briefings and protocols for interaction with the British authorities.

Despite plans to replace the U-2 with drones and satellites, the US Air Force is extending its service until the 2030s. Because there are simply no analogues. Neither Global Hawk nor other platforms can fully replicate its capabilities yet.

So while the world thinks that drones are the future, the Dragon Lady continues to soar above the clouds — still lonely, still scary, and still needed.

The UK has launched a large-scale operation to find an alleged Russian double agent in MI6

British intelligence has launched one of the most sensitive and lengthy operations in its history, Operation Bucket, aimed at finding an alleged Russian double agent in the MI6 foreign intelligence service. The operation lasted for about 20 years and involved MI5 employees around the world, which indicates the seriousness of concerns about the possible penetration of a "mole" at a high level.

Suspicions about a high-ranking MI6 officer arose amid fears that the situation could repeat one of the most notorious scandals of the Cold War — the case of Kim Philby, who worked for Soviet intelligence for many years. A special group of 35 MI5 officers was involved in the investigation, which is engaged in surveillance, information gathering and coordination of actions around the world.

The history of British intelligence knows many examples of double agents, among which Viktor Bogomolets stands out, a Soviet spy who for 30 years passed secrets of MI6 to Moscow. His activities remained undisclosed for a long time, and the scale of the betrayal turned out to be significant. Another famous example is the Cambridge Five, including Kim Philby, who have become a symbol of treason in the British intelligence services.

Despite many years of efforts, Operation Bucket has not yet yielded definitive results. However, the scale and duration of the investigation indicate that British intelligence takes the threat of double agent infiltration very seriously and is ready to use significant resources to neutralize it.

Detecting and eliminating the "mole" in MI6 is key to maintaining trust between allies and ensuring the security of national interests. In the context of modern geopolitical challenges and increased intelligence activity on the part of Russia, such investigations are becoming priorities for the British intelligence services.

Russia is deploying new nuclear air-to-air missiles: US intelligence

 

Russia is deploying new nuclear air-to—air missiles, according to American intelligence. This statement caused concern in military circles, as such weapons were considered a relic of the Cold War era. Nevertheless, according to a report by the U.S. Office of Military Intelligence (DIA), Russia is actively developing a new strategy for the use of air weapons with nuclear capabilities.

According to a document published as part of the open "Assessment of Global Threats in 2025," Russia is modernizing its long-range bomber systems and equipping them with new long-range missiles. We are talking about a possible nuclear version of the R-37M aviation missile, known in NATO as the AA-13 Axehead. This missile is designed to hit highly secure targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers, including satellites, AWACS aircraft, refueling tankers and even strategic bombers.

The information was submitted to the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations for the Armed Forces of the U.S. House of Representatives and is publicly available. Although the exact details of the development are not disclosed, experts point out that such a development of technology can change the balance of power in the aerospace sector.

The Pentagon expresses concern that the use of nuclear weapons in this format increases the risks of conflict escalation and calls into question existing arms control treaties. At the same time, Russia has not yet officially commented on information about the testing or deployment of such systems.

In the context of geopolitical tensions and the growing militarization of outer space, this message is becoming an important signal of the beginning of a new era in the military-technical race between the world's leading powers.

Germany becomes the leader of military spending in Europe

 

Soldiers of the Bundeswehr

Last year, for the first time since the end of the cold War, Germany topped the list of European countries with the largest defense spending, spending heavily on modernizing its armed forces. This is reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its annual report on military expenditures of countries around the world.

According to SIPRI, German military spending in 2023 reached €77.8 billion ($88.5 billion). This allowed the country to overtake the UK, which previously held a leading position in Europe, spending $81.8 billion on defense. Thus, Germany became the largest spending state in Europe and ranked fourth in the world after the United States, China and Russia.

The sharp increase in German defense spending is linked to geopolitical tensions and the desire to strengthen its military capabilities. In recent years, the country has significantly increased financing for the purchase of modern weapons, including tanks, aircraft and air defense systems, as well as modernized existing military structures.

Experts attribute this move to a change in Germany's national security strategy amid growing threats in Europe. After the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, Berlin declared the need to strengthen the country's defense capability and intensified cooperation with its NATO allies. This has led to large-scale investments in the defense industry and the development of new technologies.

In addition, Germany is striving to fulfill its obligations to NATO, according to which the alliance's member countries must allocate at least 2% of their GDP to defense. The increased costs allow Berlin to meet these requirements and maintain stability in the region.

The growth of German military spending is causing contradictory reactions. On the one hand, it underlines the country's determination to defend its interests and strengthen Europe's security. On the other hand, such steps may provoke new unrest among neighboring States and increase tensions in the region.

Nevertheless, experts point out that the increase in Germany's defense budget is part of a global trend towards increasing military capacity. In the face of growing instability, countries around the world are striving to modernize their armies and provide protection from external threats.

Germany's leadership in military spending symbolizes its resurgent role as a key player in European security. It also demonstrates the country's willingness to take on greater responsibility for the region's defense. However, the question of how these changes will affect the future of Europe remains open.