It’s no secret that the Russians and Americans like to do things a bit differently, and that also comes down to defense matters as well. The United States is currently building one new type of Submarine, the Virginia class. But as Russia looks to modernize its fleet, it’s now building a staggering six new classes of submarine!
Russia is currently facing budget challenges but that does not seem to be stopping them, and they are famous for all manner of submarine classes built during the Cold War. So, want to find out what they are building? Well here are their new classes!
Borei-II Class Ballistic Missile submarine
As the countries submarine industry recovers, the Russians are working on this submarine. An improved Project-955A submarine and the first one was handed to the Russian Navy on the 1st of June, named ‘Knyaz Vladimir’. These submarines can carry 16 Bulava Intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Belgorod Class Special Mission Submarine
Probably one of the most famous submarine classes is that of the Typhoon. And it’s one of the largest. So too is this submarine, the Belgorod class. Not much is really known about it yet, but it is a special mission spy submarine and a carrier for the Poseidon.
Plus, it is highly likely that this submarine will be the mother-ship for the midget nuclear submarine, the Losharik. Quite the weapon to have on your side as well. And the Poseidon? That is an intercontinental, nuclear-armed, autonomous torpedo - another formidable strategic weapon.
Khabarovsk Class Strategic Submarine
You can expect this submarine to hit the seas this month. Not a lot is known about this one either, even less than with the Belgorod. But we do know that six of the Poseidon weapons will be stowed inside this thing. That makes this incredibly dangerous to any opponent.
Yasen-M Class Cruise Missile Submarines
Cruise missile submarines are probably one of the most common types out there and that is exactly what the Yasen-M class sub is. Three types of cruise missiles are onboard these mighty vessels, and these weapons are the Kalibr land-attack missile, the Onik supersonic anti-ship missile, and the smaller Zircon, an anti-ship missile that can travel at hypersonic speeds.
Lada Class Attack Submarine
Another submarine on which we don't have any clues or details, but we do know that it is a non-nuclear submarine for the Russian Navy. The Russian’s still value non-nuclear subs, but the US Navy tends to lean towards Nuclear subs. Conventional subs are smaller and cheaper, so it probably does help to have a few in your inventory.
Improved Kilo Class Attack Submarine
The Kilo-class might sound familiar to a few of you. And that is because they go back to the 1980s. Improved models however are still very much being built, and these can launch Kalibr-land-attack missiles. But, these have to be stored in the torpedo room. A big drawback, however, as fewer can be carried.
Sources: Defence Talk, Defence Post, Sputnik News