Russia’s submarine fleet is growing more formidable to counter the US allaence
Sherazur Rahman##
In the midst of ongoing global tensions, Russia has made significant strides in modernizing its navy by commissioning a new fleet of submarines, both nuclear and conventionally powered. Specifically, on January 31, Russia commissioned a Lada class (Kronstadt) submarine weighing 2,700 tons at the Sent Petersburg shipyard.
Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union nearly four decades ago, Russia remains unwavering in its efforts to strengthen its naval capabilities. Furthermore, Russia is steadfastly pursuing the construction of a formidable submarine fleet, disregarding any obstacles or restrictions imposed by the Western world.
Russia is gradually developing these advanced submarines, utilizing its own expertise in both nuclear and diesel-electric power. As part of this ongoing endeavor, the Russian Navy officially welcomed the medium-range and heavy (B-586) conventional-powered diesel-electric Lada class (Kronstadt) submarine at the St. Petersburg Shipyard.
On a different note, on December 11, 2023, Russia delivered a new 24,000-ton Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, armed with the “Bulava” missile, and a 13,800-ton “Yasen”-class nuclear-powered submarine equipped with cruise missiles to the Russian Navy. This action is a direct response to the United States Navy’s 69-strong nuclear-powered submarine fleet, which is considered the world’s leading military superpower.
Currently, the Russian Navy possesses a fleet of 65 operational submarines, consisting of both nuclear-powered and conventional diesel-electric-powered vessels from various series. Among these, there are 13 nuclear-powered submarines armed with long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles. This includes 1 Delta-3 class submarine, 5 Delta-4 class submarines, and 7 Borei class nuclear-powered submarines, each weighing 24,000 tons.
In contrast, the Russian Navy possesses a fleet consisting of seven nuclear-powered submarines belonging to the Oscar-2 class. These submarines are armed with both anti-ship and surface attack cruise missiles. In addition, they have four state-of-the-art submarines from the Yasen class. Furthermore, the fleet includes 2 submarines from the Shira-2 class, 2 submarines from the Victor-3 class, and 9 Akula-class submarines from various series, each weighing 12,770 tons. These submarines are currently in service in the fleet of the Russian Navy and have been specifically desgined to carry out direct nuclear attack missions.
The Russian Navy operates a total of 21 submarines that rely on conventional power. Among them, there are 9 older Kilo class submarines with a weight of 3,075 tons, 11 significantly improved Kilo class submarines, and 1 modern Lada class (Kronstadt) diesel-electric submarine. However, in December of last year, a highly advanced Kilo-class submarine belonging to the Black Sea Naval Fleet in Russia’s Crimea region suffered irreparable damage due to a Ukrainian air-launched Scalp cruise missile attack.
Russia has commissioned nine submarines specifically designed for ‘Special Mission Purpose’ to carry out covert military operations in the ocean. This fact continues to instill fear in the Western world. It is worth noting that while the United States possesses 69 submarines, the United Kingdom has 10, and the French Navy operates 9 submarines, all of them are nuclear-powered.##