Russia copies US, EU sonar tech to protect its nuclear submarines

A joint investigation by The Washington Post and international media revealed that Russia has covertly constructed an Arctic undersea surveillance network called “Harmony,” using Western sonar and fiber-optic technologies acquired through front companies. The system is designed to protect Russia’s nuclear ballistic-missile submarines in the Arctic and counter US and NATO naval operations. Components for the network, including advanced sonar, underwater antennas, fiber-optic cables, and a deep-diving unmanned vehicle, were procured via a Cyprus-registered front company, Mostrello Commercial Ltd, which facilitated the purchase of US-made sonar equipment from firms like EdgeTech and R2Sonic. The Harmony system employs fixed acoustic arrays on the seafloor to detect foreign submarines and transmits real-time data to Russian command centers, effectively forming a protective arc around the Northern Fleet’s bases. The investigation also highlighted Russia’s use of sophisticated methods to evade export controls, including shell companies and European logistics hubs, with acquisitions dating back to 2015.