Russia Launches Advanced Knyaz Pozharskiy Submarine, Strengthening Naval Arsenal

On 3 February 2024, the nuclear ballistic missile submarine Knyaz Pozharskiy (K-555) was launched at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, northern Russia. This vessel represents the eighth in the Borei-class series and the fifth in the enhanced Borei-A variant.

The inception of the Borei-class (Project 955) submarines saw the incorporation of hull sections from unfinished Typhoon-class submarines post the dissolution of the USSR. However, the Project 955A submarines stand out as they have been constructed anew, boasting a more streamlined shape. These vessels measure approximately 170 metres in length with a submerged displacement of around 24,000 tonnes. They mark Russia's first endeavour in equipping submarines with a pump-jet propulsion system, moving away from the conventional propeller method.

Their main weaponry comprises 16 intercontinental ballistic missiles R-30 Bulava. Initiated in the 1990s, Bulava represents the naval adaptation of the Topol system. Its maiden test flight was conducted in September 2005, followed by its first below-water launch in December of that year. A Borei-class submarine executed its initial launch of the missile in 2011.

While specific details of the missile remain undisclosed, available information suggests the Bulava is about 13 metres long and 2 metres in diameter. Its weight is estimated to be around 36-39 tonnes. The missile is capable of carrying up to 10 independently targetable nuclear warheads, each with a yield of up to 160 kt. Its range extends approximately 8,300 kilometres, and it boasts an accuracy of 250 metres. Moreover, according to official Russian sources, these warheads can manoeuvre and switch targets mid-flight, which supposedly enables them to evade Western anti-missile defences.

As mentioned, Knyaz Pozharskiy is the fifth submarine of the Borei-A class, alongside Vladimir Monomakh, Alexander Nevsky, Prince Oleg, Generalissimo Suvorov, and Emperor Alexander III. The submarine's name is derived from Prince Dmitry Mikhailovich Pozharskiy of the Rurik dynasty, who played a pivotal role in the popular uprising that drove Polish-Lithuanian forces from Russia during the Polish-Russian War of 1609-1618.

The construction of this submarine began in 2016, experiencing several delays. Initially set for completion by the end of 2021, the deadline was subsequently pushed to the end of 2022 before finally being completed in early 2024. The submarine will now undergo shipyard and state trials to assess navigation systems, propulsion, and weapons systems. These trials, carried out by shipyard and navy experts in the White Sea, will determine the timing for the vessel's commission into the Navy, potentially within two years.

Knyaz Pozharskiy is poised to join the Northern Fleet, with Gadzhiyevo on the Barents Sea coast as the main base for submarines armed with nuclear warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Submarines typically conduct combat patrols from this base mainly in the northeastern Barents Sea and beneath the ice in the far north.

Plans are in place to construct 12 Borei and Borei-A class submarines. This initiative aims to phase out the remaining Project 667BDR Kalmar submarines from the Pacific Fleet and Project 667BDRM Delfin from the Northern Fleet.