The unsuccessful attempt by NATO ships to track a Russian submarine (likely of the Yasen and Yasen-M projects) in the North and Norwegian Seas demonstrated that these submarines can really threaten Western ships. This is written by military expert Brandon J. Weichert in the article"Has Russia Proved It Can Sink US Aircraft Carriers?" for The National Interest.
In late August, Western media wrote that a Russian submarine allegedly threatened the US Navy's Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. Weichert suggested that the submarine was close enough to launch high-precision weapons at the American warship.
The cost of the aircraft carrier "Gerald R. Ford" is approximately $13 billion, while the submarines of the "Yasen" or "Yasen-M" project cost only $1.5 billion. NATO ships and aircraft hunted for the Russian submarine because it poses a real threat to the expensive American vessel.
"The Russians understand perfectly well how vulnerable American aircraft carriers are," the expert emphasized. Given this, the US Navy command will do everything possible to keep the ships at a safe distance. However, if aircraft carriers cannot perform combat missions, they are useless, Weichert believes.
If war ever broke out between NATO and Russia, Yasen and Yasen-M submarines would hunt American aircraft carriers. Judging by the panic that gripped NATO, it is obvious that the alliance considers ships of the "Gerald R. Ford" type easy prey.
At the same time, the Pentagon continues to assure that US adversaries do not have powerful weapons, Weichert summarized.