Yasen-class submarine

Yasen-class submarine. The Yasen class, known in Russia as Project 885 Graney and by NATO reporting name Severodvinsk, represents the latest generation of Russian Navy nuclear-powered guided-missile submarines. Designed by the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau and constructed at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, these vessels are intended to replace older Soviet-era Akula and Oscar class submarines. They combine advanced stealth characteristics with formidable long-range strike capabilities, serving as a key component of Russia's strategic naval forces in the 21st century.

Design and development

The design phase for the Yasen class began in the late Soviet period under the auspices of the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau, with detailed work continuing after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The lead vessel, K-560 Severodvinsk, was laid down at Sevmash in 1993 but faced protracted construction delays due to funding shortfalls following the Russian financial crisis (1998). The design incorporates lessons from earlier projects like the Alfa-class submarine and utilizes a new, integrated hydrodynamically efficient hull form to reduce acoustic signature. Key design objectives included achieving superior quieting levels to rival Western boats like the United States Navy's Seawolf and Virginia classes, and integrating a versatile weapons suite for engaging land, surface, and undersea targets. The development program was personally prioritized by senior military officials including Vladimir Putin and former Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu as part of broader Russian military reform efforts.

Specifications

The Yasen-class submarines have a reported length of approximately 139 meters and a beam of 13 meters, with a submerged displacement estimated around 13,800 tons. They are powered by a single OK-650KPM pressurized water nuclear reactor coupled to a steam turbine driving a single pump-jet propulsor, a configuration that significantly reduces noise compared to traditional propeller systems. The class is capable of submerged speeds in excess of 30 knots and can operate at depths greater than 500 meters. The crew complement is about 90 officers and sailors. The boats are equipped with the latest Russian sensor suites, including the MGK-600 Irtysh-Amfora integrated sonar system with a large spherical bow array and flank arrays, alongside the Tsunami-M satellite communications system and MRKP-59 Radian radar.

Armament

The primary offensive armament of the Yasen class is housed in ten vertical launch system tubes located amidships, capable of launching a variety of long-range cruise missiles. These include the 3M-54 Kalibr family for anti-ship and land-attack roles and the larger 3M22 Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missile. For anti-submarine warfare, the boats carry the RPK-7 Veter and RPK-6 Vodopad missile-torpedo systems. Additionally, eight 533 mm torpedo tubes are fitted in the bow, which can launch advanced torpedoes like the UGST and Fizik-2, as well as anti-submarine missiles. The vessels can also deploy naval mines. This diverse arsenal allows a single Yasen-class submarine to conduct strategic strikes against coastal targets, engage enemy carrier battle groups, and hunt opposing submarines.

Service history

The lead boat, K-560 Severodvinsk, was commissioned into the Northern Fleet in 2013 after extensive sea trials in the White Sea and Barents Sea. The second unit, K-561 Kazan, an improved Yasen-M variant, joined the fleet in 2021. Subsequent vessels, including K-573 Novosibirsk, K-571 Krasnoyarsk, and K-564 Arkhangelsk, have been commissioned into the Pacific Fleet and Northern Fleet. These submarines have participated in major naval exercises such as Ocean Shield and have conducted operational patrols in key strategic areas including the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea near Syria, and the Pacific Ocean. Their deployments are closely monitored by NATO forces, including the United States Sixth Fleet and the Royal Navy.

Variants

The original design, Project 885, is represented solely by the lead boat K-560 Severodvinsk. The significantly improved and standardized production model is the Project 885M Yasen-M (or Graney-M), which features enhanced quieting measures, updated combat systems, and reportedly a revised reactor design. Key differences include a redesigned sail and the integration of the more advanced 3M22 Zircon missile system. All submarines from K-561 Kazan onward are of the Yasen-M variant. Future developments may include further iterations, potentially integrating technologies tested on other platforms like the Borei-class submarine or the special missions Belgorod.

Category:Submarine classes Category:Nuclear submarines of Russia Category:Cruise missile submarines