Russian Navy prioritizes construction of nuclear submarines
The construction of new-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile and attack submarines is a top priority for the Russian Navy's development, the Navy commander said on Friday.
According to a new doctrine for the development of the armed forces, Russia will completely modernize the naval component of its nuclear triad by 2016.
"At present, we are providing sufficient financing for the creation of a fleet of a new-generation nuclear-powered strategic submarines," Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said.
Four
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th-generation Borey-class nuclear-powered submarines armed with Bulava missiles would form the core of Russia's fleet of modern strategic submarines.
The first submarine in the series, was built at the Sevmash plant in the northern Arkhangelsk Region and will soon join the Russian Navy. It will be equipped with 16 Bulava (SS-NX-30) ballistic missiles, which can carry up to ten nuclear warheads, and have a range of 8,000 kilometers (about 5,000 miles).
Two other Borey-class nuclear submarines, the Alexander Nevsky and the Vladimir Monomakh, are currently under construction at the Sevmash plant.
In 2009, the Russian Navy will receive the first nuclear-powered attack submarine of the Project 885 Yasen (Graney) class, named Severodvinsk, Vysotsky said.
Severodvinsk is the first Russian submarine of the true multipurpose type, combining the ability to launch a variety of long-range nuclear missiles (up to 3,100 miles) and effectively engage hostile submarines and surface warships.
In addition to nuclear submarines, Russia is building several new-generation Project 677 (the Lada-class) diesel-electric submarines.
The submarine, whose export version is known as the Amur 1650, features a new anti-sonar coating for the hull, an extended cruising range, and advanced anti-ship and anti-submarine weaponry.
The first submarine, named the St. Petersburg, is undergoing sea trials and may enter service with the Russian Navy this year.
A second Lada-class submarine, the Kronshtadt, which is the first in the production series, is also being built at St. Petersburg's Admiralty Shipyards and will be commissioned in 2009.
A third submarine, whose keel was laid in November 2006, is named after a city associated with Russian naval glory - Sevastopol, and is expected to be launched in 2010.
The construction of new-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile and attack submarines is a top priority for the Russian Navy's development, the Navy commander said on Friday.
