Two of Russia’s newest nuclear submarines will begin sea trials this summer, according to state media reports.
Borey-class Vladimir Monomakh nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) and the Yasen-class attack boat (SSN) Severodvinsk will depart the Sevmash shipyard in Northern Russia, pending ice melt.
“Once navigation at sea opens this summer, the Vladimir Monomakh and Severodvinsk submarines will begin tests. Operations on all Sevmash nuclear submarines are run under the control of the leadership of the Russian Navy,” the yard said in a statement.
The Russian Navy has plans to create eight of the new Borey and at least three Yasen-class boats submarines by 2020.
The Borey submarines displaces 19,400 tons submerged and fields 16 SS-N-32 Bulava nuclear ballistic missiles. The Yasen-class boats are roughly the same size as the U.S. Virginia-class SSNs and are fitted with a life of boat reactor that allows them to not be refueled for the about 25-year service life of the submarine.
The Russian Navy accepted the second Borey-class submarine, Alexander Nevsky, on Dec. 23, 2013 according to a report in Jane’s Defence Weekly. The new boomer plans to conduct missile tests and well eventually be stationed in the Pacific.
Russia plans to have 40 new ships and auxiliares enter its fleet this year.
“The Russian Defense Ministry is currently carrying out a massive rearmament for the navy and air force as part of a series of modernization efforts,” according to a Monday report in RIA Novosti.
