Russia’s Fifth-Gen Nuclear Submarine Project Progressing

Russia’s Rubin Central Design Bureau today announced that work on the newest fifth-generation nuclear-powered and diesel submarines progressing without any glitches.

The Russian Navy currently relies on third-generation submarines with fourth-generation subs of the Yury Dolgoruky (Project 955 Borey) and St. Petersburg (Project 677 Lada) class just beginning to be adopted for service, according to Ria Novosti.

Igor Vilnit, head of Rubin, said that his team was working along with the defense Ministry research centers and the Navy Institute to develop a basic design of the fifth-generation submarine.

The new submarine will have a service life of about 50 years and the fifth generation will be distinguished by its lowered noise, automated control systems, reactor safety, and long-range weapons, he added.

The Defense Ministry previously said Russia is planning to develop its fifth-generation submarine by 2020 under a 2011-2020 arms procurement program, to be armed with both ballistic and cruise missiles, according to reports.