Revealed: Russia’s Next Generation Nuclear Submarines
Russia is developing two new types of nuclear submarines to replace its Project 949A Oscar-class and Project 945 Sierra-class vessels. The new vessels are a generation beyond Russia’s Project 955 Borei-class ballistic missile submarine and Project 855M Yasen-class guided-missile submarines, which are originally late Soviet-era designs.
The Sierra-class replacement is being designed as an “interceptor” that would protect the Russian nuclear ballistic missile submarine fleet while the Oscar-class replacement would be a guided-missile submarine (SSGN) that would hunt U.S. carrier strike groups like their forbearers.
The Sierra-class replacement is being designed as an “interceptor” that would protect the Russian nuclear ballistic missile submarine fleet while the Oscar-class replacement would be a guided-missile submarine (SSGN) that would hunt U.S. carrier strike groups like their forbearers.
“As part of the ongoing work on the design of fifth-generation of
nuclear submarines, two models of the submarine will be created. The
main purpose of the first —to ensure the sustainability of strategic
missile submarine cruiser combat groups, and fighting enemy submarines,”
Anatoly Shlemov, a senior executive with United Shipbuilding
Corporation told the Russian new outlet Lenta.ru earlier this year. “The second boat will carry cruise missiles to hit shore and surface targets.”
According to Shlemov, the two submarines—which are being developed by the Malakhit Design Bureau—will be based on a common hull design. The primary difference will be in the two vessel’s weapon systems—the interceptor variant will not feature tubes to carry long-range anti-ship or cruise missiles. That version of submarines is expected to replace Project 971 Shchuka-B (NATO: Akula), the Project 945 Sierra and the remaining Project 671RTM Shchuka-class (NATO: Victor III) boats. The SSGN variant will replace the Project 949A Oscar II-class.
The Russians say that they expect the new submarines to entire production sometime between 2017 and 2018, depending on the variant. The interceptor variant will enter service in the 2020s if the Russian projections are accurate. American assessments of the Russian developments are not so optimistic. U.S. naval experts believe the new Russian boats won’t be entering production for sometime.
According to Shlemov, the two submarines—which are being developed by the Malakhit Design Bureau—will be based on a common hull design. The primary difference will be in the two vessel’s weapon systems—the interceptor variant will not feature tubes to carry long-range anti-ship or cruise missiles. That version of submarines is expected to replace Project 971 Shchuka-B (NATO: Akula), the Project 945 Sierra and the remaining Project 671RTM Shchuka-class (NATO: Victor III) boats. The SSGN variant will replace the Project 949A Oscar II-class.
The Russians say that they expect the new submarines to entire production sometime between 2017 and 2018, depending on the variant. The interceptor variant will enter service in the 2020s if the Russian projections are accurate. American assessments of the Russian developments are not so optimistic. U.S. naval experts believe the new Russian boats won’t be entering production for sometime.
