Russia is about to launch its first new strategic nuclear submarine since the downfall of the Soviet Union, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov told the Interfax news agency in April 2007. “This is the first time in 17 years that we are building such a submarine. Another year will be needed to technically equip it in water and to arm it,” Ivanov said at a government meeting, attended by President Vladimir Putin.
The nuclear submarine, named Yuri Dolgoruki, will carry Russia’s latest inter-continental missiles, the Bulava-M, which went into production last year. The naval Bulava ballistic missiles are equipped with 10 nuclear warheads that have a reach of 8,000 kilometres (4,970 miles). The new vessel was launched into the White Sea from the Severodvinsk naval base in northwestern Russia. The Russian Navy also plans to build three other submarines of the same kind, Ivanov said, adding that the Alexander Nevski and the Vladimir Monomakh were already under construction.
The website WMD Insights has much more info and analysis of this new Russian sub. Seems like it’s going to be a force in the sea.
On April 15, 2007, the Russian Navy celebrated the launching of its first strategic submarine in 17 years. The submarine is reported to be 82 percent complete and could enter service in 2008 or 2009. Named the Yuri Dolgoruki after the Slavic prince who founded Moscow in the 12th century, it is the first project-955 Borey-class strategic submarine in a series that could include seven by 2015. Two more Borey-class submarines are already under construction. According to the Russian Navy’s commander-in-chief Vladimir Masorin, the construction schedule provides for completion of one new Borey submarine each year beginning in 2008.
Successes in construction of a new-generation strategic, ballistic missile-launching submarine have been tempered by the failure to develop a new missile for Borey-class submarines. Originally, the Yuri Dolgoruki, whose keel was laid in 1996, was set to carry the modified RSM-52 Bark (SS-N-20 Sturgeon by NATO classification) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM); however that program was scrapped after three unsuccessful tests.
The project to develop a new missile was renamed the Bulava-30 (SS-NX-30) and awarded to the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, the design company famous for developing the land-based Topol and Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). The Yuri Dolgoruki is set to carry 12 Bulava missiles, each capable of carrying 6-10 independently-maneuverable nuclear warheads, while subsequent Borey-class ships will carry 16 such missiles.
Like Bark, Bulava already has experienced three failures; however, canceling it is not an option because the Navy cannot afford to begin a third SLBM program. According to Russian officials, the next Bulava flight test will take place in June 2007. Anatoly Perminov, the head of Roskosmos, responsible for the creation of defense missile technology, explained that deployment of Bulava missiles might require a minimum of 12-14 test launches.
Thus, the crash program to build new submarines and SLBMs has approached the “moment of truth”–the success or failure of efforts to introduce quickly a new generation of strategic submarines will define the face of the Russian triad for years to come.
Oopsie – since I posted this tonight a new story has come to light that shows the new sub launched missile seems to be on track after all. Russia has carried out a successful test of a sea-based intercontinental missile from a nuclear submarine, the military said Thursday. The test on the new Bulava ballistic missile was conducted in the White Sea off Russia’s northwest coast, military spokesman Igor Dygalo told AFP.
“The missile warhead arrived in the foreseen deadline” in the Kura test range in the Kamchatka region of Russia’s Far East, the spokesman added.
The missile was fired from the same submarine, the Dmitry Donskoi, that was used for a test which failed last October. Two other tests have failed in recent years.
The test comes amid Russian anger at US plans to locate a powerful missile-tracking radar in the Czech Republic as well interceptor missiles in Poland to combat what it says are threats to global security.
Bulava missiles have a range of 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) and can be equipped with up to 10 individually targeted nuclear warheads.
July 27, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Russians have finaly learnt cost control:)
Instead of having 10 different ICBM/SLBM models they now have basically just one the topol SS 27 and have modified this into an SLBM,a road mobile missile and a silo launched missile with 85% commonality.Nice
Anyway they aren’t the only ones with new misiles the French tested their M 51 recently.
July 28, 2007 at 9:44 am
Thanks Shantanu – Of course you’re correct that the Russians aren’t the only force with newly developed missiles. I believe Iran has some in development and India is working on a high speed cruise missile. I think you’re also right on target that the Russians are also learning how to practice more effective cost control to improve their force capability.
zero
April 26, 2008 at 10:44 am
Norway just testet a new anti ship misile. If wath they say is true it trawels so low and fast no curent anti mislie system wil be abel to take it down.