Game-Changer: What May Be Russia's 'Secret Weapon' in Syria?

Moscow may engage its "secret weapon" in Syria and the West will not be able to take the challenge, Observer reported.

Earlier, commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet Adm. Alexander Vitko said Russia’s newest submarine armed with Kalibr missiles will be deployed as part of the Syrian operation.

Last December, while submerged, the Rostov-on-Don fired Kalibr cruise missiles in the Mediterranean Sea, destroying two Daesh targets in Syria.

"These [submarines] are the quietest subs in the world. NATO has named these Russian subs 'Black Hole.' They are diesel electric powered and fire Tomahawk-style rockets from the sea," the article read.

The Rostov-on-Don sub can remain submerged for 45 days. It has a weight of only 4,000 tons. It is very small and very fast, capable of cruising at an underwater speed of up to 20 knots.

"Because of its small size, it is able to get into shallow water. Because it is so quiet, it leaves no sound signature. It becomes invisible," the article read.

According to the author, Russia may now control not only Syrian airspace but also the coastline. In addition, having deployed its powerful fleet to the Mediterranean, Russia has created what has been termed an "Arc of Steel" which spans from the Arctic Circle via the Baltic Sea to Crimea to the Mediterranean Sea.

"The game plan is to challenge and confront NATO and the West," the article concluded.