Russia To Construct Six Diesel-electric Submarines By Nov-end

Russia will be building a set of six Varshavyanka diesel-electric submarines by end of November.

"In late November, the construction of the series of six new Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarines for the Black Sea Fleet will be marked with raising of the Navy flag on submarine 'Kolpino'." Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Adm. Vladimir Korolev said.

Project 1135.6 frigate Admiral Makarov, which is the third in a series of six Admiral Grigorovich-class vessels being built for the Black Sea Fleet, will join the Russian Navy in December, Sputnik International reported today.

In September, the Russian Defense Ministry and the Admiralty Shipyards signed a contract on the construction of six additional Varshavyanka-class submarines by 2021.

The Varshavyanka-class (Project 636.3) is an improved version of Kilo-class submarines that features advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and the ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets.

The submarines are mainly intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow waters.

The vessels, carrying crews of 52, have a top underwater speed of 20 knots and a cruising range of 400 miles (electric propulsion), with the ability to patrol for 45 days. The submarines are armed with 18 torpedoes and eight surface-to-air missiles. The submarines are mainly intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow waters.