Russia's Modern Naval Power: New Generation Submarines and Strategic Submarine Fleet Expansion
Russia Introduces New Generation of Diesel-Electric Submarine: A Strategic Move to Strengthen Naval Power
Russia has recently commissioned a 2,700-ton diesel-electric submarine into its service, marking a significant milestone in its naval modernization. This move comes nearly four decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union when Russia began prioritizing the modernization of its navy. Despite numerous Western sanctions and obstacles, Russia has been progressing systematically to build a formidable submarine fleet.
As part of this strategy, Russia is increasingly focusing on developing its own nuclear-powered submarines as well as conventional diesel-electric powered submarines. In line with this, the Russian Navy officially inducted the medium-range, diesel-electric Lada-class (Kronstadt) submarine, designated as B-586, at the St. Petersburg Shipyard.
Furthermore, on December 11, 2023, Russia officially handed over a new Borei-class nuclear-powered strategic submarine weighing 24,000 tons, equipped with Bulava ballistic missiles, and a Yasen-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine weighing 13,800 tons to the Russian Navy. These additions are part of Russia's determination to challenge the naval superiority of the United States, the world's top military superpower, which operates a fleet of 69 nuclear-powered submarines.
Currently, the Russian Navy operates a total of 65 submarines, including both nuclear-powered and conventional diesel-electric models. Among them, 13 nuclear-powered submarines are equipped 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 addition, the Russian Navy operates 7 Oscar-2 class nuclear-powered submarines, which are equipped with anti-ship and surface attack cruise missiles, as well as 4 new-generation Yasen-class submarines. There are also 2 Sierra-2 class submarines and 2 Victor-3 class submarines, along with 9 Akula-class nuclear-powered submarines of varying series, weighing 12,770 tons, currently operational within the Russian submarine fleet.
The Russian Navy also maintains a fleet of 21 conventional diesel-electric submarines. Among these are 9 older Kilo-class submarines weighing 3,075 tons, 11 highly improved Kilo-class submarines, and 1 advanced Lada-class diesel-electric submarine. However, in December 2023, a state-of-the-art Kilo-class submarine stationed in the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea was severely damaged in a strike by Ukraine’s air-launched Scalp cruise missile.
Additionally, Russia has deployed 9 submarines for special mission purposes to conduct covert military operations on the oceans, which Western powers still view with considerable fear. While the United States operates 69 nuclear-powered submarines, the United Kingdom has 10, and France maintains 9, all of which are nuclear-powered, underscoring the strategic significance of Russia’s efforts.
Russia’s renewed focus on modernizing its submarine fleet is part of a broader military strategy that includes advancements in nuclear and conventional technologies. These efforts are crucial for maintaining a strong naval deterrent and asserting Russia's dominance in regional waters, especially in the context of rising tensions with the West and its ongoing geopolitical ambitions.
The deployment of new-generation nuclear-powered submarines like the Borei-class and Yasen-class highlights Russia’s commitment to maintaining a strategic balance with NATO forces, especially the U.S. Navy. The integration of Bulava ballistic missiles and advanced cruise missile systems provides Russia with enhanced capabilities for both strategic deterrence and tactical operations. Furthermore, Russia’s ability to build and deploy special mission submarines adds an element of unpredictability and depth to its naval capabilities.##
