The Russian Navy commands one of the largest submarine fleets in the world with an estimated 64 vessels. It considers its 16 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) integral to its strategic deterrent. Despite budgetary hardships following the Soviet Union’s collapse, Russia has significantly modernized its submarine force in recent years.
The Borei-class (NATO: Dolgorukiy) SSBNs are instrumental to Russia’s post-Cold War strategic arsenal. First launched in 1996, the Borei-class are set to replace the aging Typhoon-class, Kalmar-class (NATO: Delta III), and Delfin-class (NATO: Delta IV) submarines. Despite enlarging its defense budget, the Russian Navy faces a considerable backlog of modernization, maintenance, and dismantlement tasks. This has led to delays in the Borei-class construction program and forced the Russian Navy to retain two aging Kalmar-class (NATO: Delta III) boats in service. In 2017, Russia launched its first Borei-A class submarine, ‘Knyaz Vladimir,’ which features incremental upgrades to the original design. In 2021 the Knyaz Vladimir was deemed fully operational by the Russian military, and has since participated in unprecedented expeditions under the ice. While expenses mount, the Russian government remains committed to the modernization program—viewed as imperative to maintain its nuclear deterrent.
In April 2019, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced plans to build two new Borei-K-class nuclear submarines. The first of these boats, the Knyaz Oleg, was laid down in July 2014 and finished sea trials and was commissioned to the Pacific fleet in late 2021. The second of these ships is the Generalissimo Suvorov, which was commissioned for service in late 2022. Reports say that as of early 2023 it is operating in Russia’s Northern fleet. These vessels are almost identical to the previous Borei-class submarines but are capable of firing long-range cruise missiles.
