Russia Launches Nuclear Submarine 'Krasnoyarsk'

Russia’s Sevmash Shipyard launched the Navy’s new Project 885M (Yasen-M) nuclear-powered submarine Krasnoyarsk.

On July 30, Russian Defense Ministry-owned Zvezda TV network posted a video showing Krasnoyarsk’s launch. The command to roll out the submarine from the slipway was given by Sevmash CEO Mikhail Budnichenko, following which the vessel’s future commander Captain 2nd Rank Ivan Artyushin traditionally smashed a bottle of champagne against its hull.

The Krasnoyarsk is the Project Yasen-M second serial-built submarine that was laid down in 2014.

The Project 885M Yasen-M (Graney) nuclear submarines can carry carry Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles. It can also be equipped with the Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic missiles. Based on the Akula-class and Alfa-class, it is projected to replace Russia's Soviet-era nuclear attack submarines.

Yasen-class submarines are the first Russian SSNs/SSGNs to be equipped with a fourth-generation nuclear reactor. The reactor will reportedly have a 25-30 year core life and will not have to be refuelled.