[Aktungbby]

The Virginia class is quieter and has a better sonar rig than its Russian opponent. In the world of submarine warfare, that’s an unbeatable combination. It can move and detect in ways that would give away Severodvinsk. One thing to be said for Severodvinsk is that it is more capable of quickly responding to a sudden target opportunity via her supersonic Klub ASW missiles. As for near term prospects, the usability of the Virginia’s sonar improves on a regular basis via software updates. Severodvinsk may not be able to update its sonar suite, and making the Russian submarines quieter may not be easily implemented. Overall, the edge has to be given to the Virginia class.

The Russian boats have smaller crews, suggesting automation; so we have the edge in dedicated talented manpower too...naturally now that women are in crews. Russia is essentially playing 'showpiece catchup ball' here and suffered economic delays in launching thes boats. "Money is the sinews of war" meets "and numbers have a cachet of their own." Russia is a third-rate trouble-maker these days: it should save it's military shekels and host more Olympics as it's showpiece tactics.