Russian Navy Adds Three New Submarines

Russian Navy has bolstered its maritime capabilities by adding two nuclear-powered submarines and a diesel-electric boat to its fleet, according to reports from state media.

Additionally, two more undersea platforms are slated to join the naval service later this year.

The Varshavyanka-class submarine Mozhaysk officially became part of the Navy's arsenal on November 28, as reported by the government's news agency TASS. Following closely, two nuclear-powered vessels, namely the Borei-A-class Emperor Alexander III and the Yasen M-class Krasnoyarsk, were welcomed into service just two days later, according to the state news agency RIA Novosti.

Anticipated additions to the fleet include the Lada-class submarines Kronstadt and Velikiye Luki, which were initially scheduled for delivery in 2022 but faced delays. The Central Design Bureau Rubin, responsible for the development of the non-nuclear Lada class, also known as Project 677, has been working on this project since the 1980s.

The first submarine of the Lada class, St. Petersburg, underwent construction in 1997, launched in 2004, and entered service in 2010. However, it failed to meet required specifications, leading to a decision in 2020 to modernize the boat, which was ultimately rejected earlier this year. Consequently, the sub is slated for decommissioning.

The Kronstadt and Velikiye Luki submarines, laid down in the mid-2000s, were expected to be transferred to the Navy between 2018 and 2019. Yet, United Shipbuilding Corp. faced setbacks in serial production, citing issues with a supplier. Currently undergoing tests, these submarines incorporated lessons learned from the St. Petersburg.

Despite efforts to overcome production challenges, a military expert from the Moscow-based Institute of World Economy and International Relations suggested that further delays are likely, attributing the setbacks to sanctions. The expert, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the topic, stated, "Deliveries and installation of Western equipment did not take place in the planned volume. Time was spent searching for alternative suppliers in Asian countries. I don't believe they will be able to transfer these submarines to the Navy this year — [or] at best, one."