The United States is sending a strike group to the shores of Venezuela: the fight against drug trafficking or politics?

The United States is sending a strike group to the shores of Venezuela, including three missile destroyers, a nuclear submarine and amphibious assault ships with marines. Officially, this operation has been declared a fight against drug trafficking, but a number of sources are convinced that the true goals of the American fleet are more ambitious.

According to unofficial information, Washington is seeking to overthrow the regime of Nicolas Maduro, as well as to establish control over Venezuela's significant oil reserves, one of the largest in the world. These resources are of great strategic and economic importance.

The strike group demonstrates serious military might and readiness for a rapid response in the region. The presence of a nuclear submarine and amphibious assault ships with marines significantly expands the capabilities of the United States to conduct complex operations in coastal areas.

The fight against drug trafficking remains an important part of the official narrative, but many analysts believe that this version serves as a screen for deeper geopolitical interests. Venezuela has been experiencing economic and political difficulties in recent years, which creates favorable conditions for external interference.

Thus, the US operation off the coast of Venezuela is an important signal of readiness to use military force in the region. This event is causing concern in the international community and heightens tensions in the Western Hemisphere.

Kursk did not return: a submarine and 118 sailors died 25 years ago

Today, August 12— Russia is remembering one of the most serious and painful tragedies in the history of the Navy: the death of the Kursk nuclear submarine. Exactly 25 years ago, in 2000, during an exercise in the Barents Sea, a disaster occurred that forever changed the lives of hundreds of families and called into question the safety of the fleet.

There were 118 sailors on board the Kursk, ranging from young sailors to experienced officers. They all died. At first, the submarine simply could not be found. Then they couldn't lift it. And when international rescuers arrived, it turned out that there was no chance anymore. The submarine was lying at a depth of more than 100 meters, and time was running out against the rescuers.

It turned out later that the tragedy began with an explosion on a torpedo. The first detonation destroyed the first compartment, and the second, along the chain, destroyed the combat compartments. Many sailors may have survived in the tail section and were waiting for help. But no one heard them.

The Kursk has become more than just a ghost ship at the bottom of the sea. It has become a symbol of missed opportunities, pride, pain and loss. His death revealed problems in the management, financing of the fleet and emergency preparedness.

Today, on the anniversary, there are minutes of silence in the hero cities and at memorials. Photos of 118 sailors with smiling faces remind us that behind every tragedy there are not numbers, but people. Those who served the Motherland. Those who didn't come back.

The Chinese nuclear submarine of project 094 went on long-range patrol with a statement from the crew about the readiness to launch nuclear missiles

 Chinese state media recently published rare footage of a Project 094 nuclear submarine (Jin class) with ballistic missiles going on long-range combat patrol. The submarine left the Longpo Naval Base on Hainan Island, a heavily fortified underground facility where the bulk of the Chinese strategic submarine fleet is based.  

During the broadcast, one of the crew members declared his readiness to "without hesitation" launch the boat's nuclear missiles if ordered, which underlines China's determination in matters of strategic deterrence.  

The Project 094 submarine is equipped with 12 JL-2 ballistic missile silos with a range of about 7.2–8 thousand kilometers, which allows it to hit important strategic targets at long distances. This is one of the key components of China's maritime nuclear triad. The boat has a displacement of about 11-12 thousand tons, a length of 135 meters and a crew of 120 people, and its nuclear reactor provides underwater speeds of up to 20-24 knots.  

China is actively developing its underwater nuclear potential: the upgraded version is the 094A project with quieter operation and JL-3 missiles with an increased range of over 10,000 kilometers. The submarine fleet is expected to be updated in the coming years, including the development of new Project 096 submarines.  

The publicity of such displays and the firm position of the crew indicate China's willingness to demonstrate its strategic capabilities and play an important role in the balance of power at the regional and global levels, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. 

An American nuclear submarine with missiles sailed to Australia — and this is not just a courtesy call

One of the most formidable submarines of the US Navy, the USS Ohio (SSGN—726), suddenly appeared in Brisbane, in eastern Australia. This is not just an ordinary submarine: it belongs to the elite four nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines capable of delivering precision strikes against almost any target in the region. Her arrival is a rare and very significant event.

The submarine docked on Sunday, according to the US 7th Fleet, as part of a large-scale deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. She docked right next to the repair vessel USS Frank Cable (AS-40), which arrived there the day before, apparently to provide technical support and prepare the boat for further operations.

The USS Ohio is not just a "silent hunter". It is a floating missile base: it can carry up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as support special forces, including navy seals. Such visits to Australia are rare, because these boats usually stay in the shadows, discreetly patrolling the depths. And here is a public parking lot in a major port. This is a clear signal: the United States is strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, especially against the background of Chinese activity and tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

For Australia, such a visit is not only a demonstration of allied relations, but also a reminder that the region is becoming more and more strategically important. Especially considering that Australia itself is currently building a nuclear submarine program with the help of the United States and Great Britain (under the AUKUS deal).

So the appearance of the USS Ohio in Brisbane is not just about refueling and resting the crew. This is a political message written underwater, but understandable to everyone.

The Virginia-class submarine USS Arkansas (SSN 800) was launched at the Newport News Shipbuilding shipyard

Launching of the Virginia-class submarine USS Arkansas (SSN 800) at the Newport News Shipbuilding shipyard

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has announced an important milestone in the construction of one of the most advanced nuclear submarines in the United States, the Virginia—class submarine USS Arkansas (SSN 800). The boat was successfully launched on the James River from the Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) shipyard, one of two companies in the United States capable of building nuclear submarines.

After completing the main work on the hull assembly and installation of equipment, the shipbuilders transferred the boat from the construction site to a floating dry dock, where it was then launched. After that, the submarine was towed to the submarine berth at the shipyard, where the final stage of completion will begin, including comprehensive system testing, reactor testing and crew certification.

The Virginia-class submarines are among the most technologically advanced multi-purpose submarines in the world. They are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from fighting enemy submarines to attacking ground targets, conducting reconnaissance and supporting special operations. The SSN 800 will be the continuation of this successful series, which plays a key role in the U.S. Navy's maritime strategy for the 21st century.

The production of these boats is carried out jointly by HII and General Dynamics Electric Boat companies as part of the Block IV/V program, focused on improving reliability and reducing operating costs. The launch of new submarines is also part of efforts to modernize the American submarine fleet, especially in the face of the growing naval presence of China and Russia in the world's oceans.

Huntington Ingalls Industries, which is the largest manufacturer of warships in the United States, also recently announced upcoming advertising campaigns under the slogan "Build It: In America, For America" aimed at promoting domestic shipbuilding and jobs in the country. In addition, the company is preparing to publish financial results for the second quarter of 2025, which are expected in the period from July 31 to August 4.

The fourth nuclear submarine of the Barracuda class "De Grasse" left the construction workshop

Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine

On May 27, 2025, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine, named De Grasse, was removed from the construction workshop for transfer to a DME-type floating platform. This submarine is part of a series of six Suffren-class submarines that will gradually replace the obsolete Rubis-class nuclear submarines in the French navy.

De Grasse is the fourth vessel under the Barracuda program, and her rollout marks an important milestone in the project's implementation. After being placed on a floating platform, the submarine will undergo final work and initial tests at the berth, which will prepare it for the start of sea trials scheduled for 2026.

The Barracuda program is aimed at modernizing and strengthening the French submarine fleet, providing increased combat capabilities and technological level of the submarine. The new boats are equipped with modern weapons systems, improved acoustic camouflage and enhanced capabilities to perform various combat missions.

The deployment of De Grasse to a floating platform is a key step that brings the French navy closer to upgrading its submarine forces and maintaining a strategic balance in the region. The successful completion of the sea trials will allow the submarine to be put into operation and increase the country's defense capability.

A US P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft violated Algerian airspace while chasing a Russian submarine

Russian nuclear submarine Krasnodar (Project 677, B-265)

According to information published by the Moroccan Defense Arabic source, a US Navy P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft recently violated Algerian airspace. According to the source, the incident occurred as part of an attempt by the US military to track the movements of the Russian nuclear submarine Krasnodar (Project 677, B-265), which entered the Mediterranean Sea two days ago.

The American anti-submarine aircraft P-8 Poseidon, known for its high efficiency in searching and tracking underwater objects, was spotted over the territory of Algeria. According to preliminary data, the violation of airspace occurred in the area of the western coast of the country, where the routes of the Russian submarine were probably located or passed.

The source claims that the main purpose of the United States was to track the Russian submarine Krasnodar, which is heading across the Mediterranean Sea. The submarine entered the region accompanied by the Evgeny Churov logistics vessel. This route has become the subject of special attention from NATO and the United States, as it may be associated with a potential operation in Russia's area of interest.

The P-8 Poseidon is a modern anti—submarine and reconnaissance aircraft based on the Boeing 737 civilian airliner. It is equipped with advanced equipment for detecting underwater targets, including sonars, radar stations and electronic reconnaissance systems. The P-8's long-range patrol capability makes it an important tool for monitoring enemy submarine activity.

Krasnodar (B-265) is one of the newest submarines of Project 677 (Lada class). She is one of the slow-moving diesel-electric submarines capable of performing tasks in both coastal and oceanic areas. Armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, it is a serious combat unit capable of striking ground targets at a considerable distance.

So far, the Algerian authorities have not commented on the information about the violation of their airspace. However, such incidents can cause diplomatic tension between the countries, especially if the Algerian side considers the US actions provocative.

At the same time, the situation demonstrates the growing geopolitical competition in the Mediterranean, where Russia is strengthening its presence, and the United States and NATO countries are seeking to control the situation in the region. Krasnodar's presence in this context indicates Moscow's desire to demonstrate its capabilities in the field of the submarine fleet.

The incident with the violation of Algerian airspace by a US reconnaissance aircraft highlights the complexity of modern relations between major global players. In the context of the growing military confrontation in the Mediterranean, every movement of the parties is becoming the object of close attention and analysis. Further interaction between the participants in this conflict of interest will show how this situation develops.