A senior defence official confirmed on Wednesday (August 5) that two Russian attack submarines have been located cruising in the Atlantic Ocean off the US East Coast, CNN reported.
The vessels have been identified by the US Navy as Akula-class nuclear powered submarines which are not a class of submarines that can launch intercontinental nuclear missiles.
"So long as they are operating in international waters, as frankly, we do around the world, and are behaving in a responsible way, they are certainly free to do so," Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell told CNN. "It doesn't cause any alarm."
"There is no need to overreact," said another defence official. "This is not an issue of concern. It is all consistent with the internationally-recognised principle of freedom of navigation. As long as the vessels do not cross into territorial waters, they are free to navigate any open waters."
He added that Russian submarines have not been able to operate near the US seaboard for a long time and that their appearance indicated a return of Russia's abilities.
Another defence official said: "It is Russia again trying to assert its influence and trying to show they have a relevant military."
