Russian Navy Adds Fifth Project 636.3 Submarine to Pacific Fleet

The Russian Navy officially commissioned the "Mozhaisk," a diesel-electric submarine of Project 636.3, into the Pacific Fleet on November 28.

The submarine, constructed at the Admiralty Shipyards, is the fifth in the series.

Commander-in-Chief Nikolai Evmenov stated that Project 636 submarines, nicknamed "black holes" for their stealth capabilities, are equipped with modern weaponry. The "Mozhaisk" features underwater missile and torpedo systems, as well as sonar and radio-technical weapons.

The Project 636 submarines, with the Club-S missile complex, succeed the Project 877EKM submarines. Notable features include missile weaponry for salvo attacks, advanced target detection, electronic equipment longevity, and an informational support system. These submarines are designed for various naval missions and have a reputation for reliability.

The "Mozhaisk" is part of Project 636.3 (Improved Kilo-class) and stands as the fifth submarine in a series commissioned for the Pacific Fleet. Its construction commenced on August 23, 2021, and the submarine was successfully launched on April 27, 2023. Armed with underwater missile and torpedo systems, as well as advanced sonar and radio-technical weapons, the "Mozhaisk" joins the ranks of submarines Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Volkhov, Magadan, and Ufa, already in active service. The final submarine of the series, "Yakutsk," is nearing completion.

The modified Project 636.3 submarines demonstrate increased combat power in comparison to previous projects. Constructed by the Admiralty Shipyards, these vessels prioritize a combination of acoustic stealth, extended target acquisition range, the latest inertial navigation system, and a sophisticated automatic information and control system. This positions them as a global focal point in non-nuclear submarine construction.

These submarines measure 74 meters in length, with a displacement of 3900 tons, capable of achieving an underwater speed of 20 knots.

Key features of these vessels include an optimal blend of acoustic stealth and target detection range, incorporating the latest inertial navigation system, a modern automated information and control system, and a high-speed torpedo-missile armament.

Specifically, the submarines are equipped with Kalibr-PL cruise missiles, developed by the Rubin Design Bureau for countering hostile submarines and warships. Notable attendees at the recent commissioning ceremony included Admiral Nikolai Evmenov, Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Advisor to the General Director of JSC USC Vladimir Korolev, General Director of JSC Admiralty Shipyards Andrey Veselov, and Deputy Head of the Administration of the Mozhaisky Urban District Maria Azarenkova.

“This project implements a number of innovative solutions, including the latest life support systems. The ship is called upon to fulfill two main tasks: to ensure the defense capability of our country and to preserve the lives of the crew,” Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Viktor Evtukhov noted.