Russia’s Yasen-M Submarine to Launch Multiple Cruise Missiles as Part of State Trials

Russia’s Novosibirsk Yasen-M class nuclear submarine is set to launch four cruise missiles as part of state trials.

The Project 885M vessel will perform at least four launches of Onyx and Kalibr-PL cruise missiles, a source in the military-industrial complex was quoted as saying by TASS on Monday.

The Novosibirsk submarine is planned to put into service of the Russian Navy before the end of the current year. During this time, at least four launches of Onyx and Kalibr-PL cruise missiles will be performed, including salvo firing using both types of missiles, the source added.

The Yasen-M class can carry carry Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles, besides Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic missiles. Based on the Akula-class and Alfa-class, they are 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.