The Norwegian Intelligence Service has reported that Russia has recently deployed tactical nuclear weapon-armed vessels in the Baltic Sea, marking the first time in 30 years such vessels have been deployed in the region.

The agency highlighted that “the key part of the nuclear potential is on the submarines and surface ships of the Northern Fleet.” This marks a departure from previous deployments when the Northern Fleet warships carried nuclear weapons during the Cold War era, whereas this time the Russian Federation is deploying these vessels with nuclear weapons.

The Norwegian Intelligence Service report has also raised concerns over the serious threat that tactical nuclear weapons pose to the NATO military alliance. The agency cautions that these weapons could potentially escalate a localized war involving Norway and NATO. Furthermore, the report warns that the possibility of an expanded conflict involving the United States, NATO, and Norway cannot be ruled out.

Despite Russia’s plans to modernize and develop its nuclear arsenal, the report suggests that Russian nuclear doctrine will remain the same in the near future.