The New Russian Nuclear Submarine to Be Unveiled Next Month

[Kim Yundong, Senior Researcher, Maritime Underwater Research Team 2, Defense Technology Quality Institute] The Russian Navy is scheduled to launch the Project 09851 ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSBN) Khabarovsk in June.

This submarine can carry six autonomous Poseidon (nuclear-powered drone submarines). The drone submarines have unlimited range, can operate at depths exceeding 1 km, and can be equipped with nuclear warheads. Compared to the existing Project 955 Borei-class SSBN (13,000 tons, 160 m in length), the missile section located behind the sail is not included.

The Khabarovsk submarine is based on the Borei-class SSBN. It is smaller in size and carries different weapons. The Russian Navy plans to acquire a total of four units. Detailed specifications include a surface displacement of 10,500 tons, a length of 120 m, and a main hull diameter of 13 m. Its speed exceeds 20 knots, maximum operational depth is 400?500 m, and it is powered by one reactor and a single pump-jet.

President Putin first announced information about the 2M39 submarine, scheduled for construction in 2018. This project was classified as secret. However, it has been reported several times recently by the media. The two submarines equipped with new weapons are the Project 09852 Belgorod nuclear submarine (a rebuilt version of the Project 949A submarine) and the new Project 09851 Khabarovsk nuclear submarine. The Belgorod submarine was launched on April 23, 2019, and joined the Russian Navy in September.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.