The commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) shared an alarming update regarding Vladimir Putin and Russia Thursday.

Admiral William Gortney informed the Senate Armed Services Committee through written testimony that the former Soviet Union is progressing with its plan to enable “long-range conventionally armed cruise missiles” that can be fired from bombers, warships and even submarines.

Gortney added that this is giving the Kremlin “deterrent short of the threshold”.

“Should these trends continue over time, NORAD will face increased risk in our ability to defend North America against Russian air, maritime and cruise missile threats,” he said.

Lately, Russia has increased air patrols over the coastlines of Europe and — over the past year — have flown more heavy bomber aircraft patrols outside their airspace than at any time since the Cold War. They’re also keeping closer tabs on NORAD, eyeing exploration into monitoring U.S. and Canadian airspace — something the United States does conversely already in Asia.

Gortney said the U.S. is also looking into whether or not the cruise missiles or conventional or nuclear-tipped.

CNN