Russian Navy to get two advanced nuclear-powered subs in December
The Russian Navy currently operates four Project 955/Project 955A strategic missile-carrying submarines
The Russian Navy is set to receive the Project 955A (Borei-A) and Project 885M (Yasen-M) first serial-built nuclear-powered submarines Knyaz Oleg and Novosibirsk by the end of this year, Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday.
“In December, the handover of the first serial-built nuclear-powered cruisers Knyaz Oleg and Novosibirsk is planned,” the defense chief said at the ministry’s conference call.
The Russian Navy currently operates four Project 955/Project 955A strategic missile-carrying submarines. Each of the Project 955/Project 955A submarines carries 16 Bulava ICBMs. The Sevmash Shipyard in Russia’s northwest is also building six Project 885M nuclear-powered submarines.
Russia’s cutting-edge warships
Project 955A (Borei-A) nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarines are designed to become the mainstay of Russia’s seaborne strategic nuclear forces. They carry 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles as their basic armament. Compared to the baseline Borei series, Borei-A subs feature better acoustic stealth, maneuvering and deep-sea running capabilities and an improved armament control system.
Project 885M (Yasen-M) nuclear-powered submarines are armed with Kalibr-PL and Oniks cruise missiles as their basic strike weapons.
By end of the year , the Indian Navy too is set to get its second SSBN that is INS ARIGHAT. Three more advanced SSBN are also in the pipeline. By 2024 , the Indian Navy is likely to induct an Akula class SSGN from Russia. They will be then followed by six indigenous nuclear attack submarines under construction.
