Russia Gives No Comments on Submarine Detected off USA

17.08.2012 Russian defense ministry refused to comment reports of some media agencies about detected Russian submarine which was on patrol in the Gulf of Mexico next to the US remaining unnoticed for a month.

"Presently, Russian Navy submarines are on scheduled patrols in different regions worldwide. In accordance with global practice, actions of submarine forces, their routes and especially patrols are not covered in official reports being confidential information even after decades", defense ministry's spokesman told RIA Novosti.

Presence of Russian submarine nearby the US obviously indicates problems in American antisubmarine systems.

According to reporters, the question is an Akula-class nuclear submarine which is considered one of the most silent and unreachable for enemy radars submarines.

Through the recent 3 years, it is the first time Russian Akula approached American waters. Last time, two such subs were noticed off the US east coast in 2009.

Akula project was developed by Rubin Design Bureau (St. Petersburg). Submarines of this class still have the world's largest dimensions due to the size of solid-propellant three-staged ballistic missiles inside.