Borei Class Nuclear Submarines Join Russian Navy

25/04/2013 by Paul Fiddian - Armed Forces International's Lead Reporter

Two new Russian nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines are set to join the Russian Navy before the end of 2013, officials have reported.

Joining the Yuriy Dolgorukiy submarine, the Aleksandr Nevskiy and the Vladimir Monomakh will be pressed into service in coming months, strengthening the Borei class range's presence within the world's second-largest naval power.

Indeed, Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted one defence official who highlighted how, with no anticipated delays, the Borei class development schedule is well on track.

Borei Class Submarines

Taking their name from 'Boreas' - the bringer of winter in Greek legend - the Borei class submarines will replace three other classes of submarine in Russian naval service: the Delta III, Delta IV and Typhoon.

Lead vessel the Yuriy Dolgorukiy had its roll-out in 2007 and was inaugurated at the start of 2013. Besides the Aleksandr Nevskiy and the Vladimir Monomakh, there are five other Russian Navy Borei class submarines in various stages of development.

In general terms, each Borei class submarine is 170 metres in length and displaces 24,000 tonnes of water when submerged. Power is supplied by an OK-650B nuclear reactor, giving these nuclear submarines an unlimited range, cruising at between 15 and 29 knots. Weapons include RSM-56 Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missiles and RPK-2 Viyuga cruise missiles.

Russian Navy Nuclear Submarine

The Aleksandr Nevskiy Russian navy nuclear submarine is presented engaged in sea trials and, later this year, it'll be involved in a first-time RSM-56 Bulava ballistic missile launch.

Meantime, the Vladimir Monomakh submarine was rolled-out in December 2012 and will commence its sea trials programme in June, while the Yuriy Dolgorukiy became part of the Russian Navy's Northern Fleet at the start of 2013.

Next to be built are the Aleksandr Suvorov and Mikhail Kutuzov Borei class submarines, both of which will start to be pieced together in months ahead.