Russia launches third improved 'Kilo' submarine, commissions first

Kate Tringham, London - IHS Jane's Navy International
31 August 2014


Admiralty Shipyard launched the third of six Project 636.3 improved 'Kilo'-class (or Varshavyanka-class) diesel-electric submarines for the Russian Navy at its yard in Saint Petersburg on 28 August.

Stary Oskol 's launch ceremony follows the commissioning of the first boat in the series, Novorossiysk , at Admiralty Shipyard the previous week on 22 August.

The six 3,125-tonne submarines form part of the Russian Ministry of Defence's long-term plans to recapitalise the Black Sea Fleet, which currently fields just one submarine - the Soviet-era Project 877V experimental Paltus/'Kilo'-class SSK Alrosa (B 871). Under current planning the new boats are expected to be completed by 2016, according to local media reports.

Novorossiysk and Stary Oskol were laid down in August 2010 and August 2012, respectively. Second boat Rostov Na Donu was laid down in November 2011, launched in June, and is currently undergoing harbour trials.

Meanwhile, fourth boat Krasnodar was laid down on 20 February and in October, the keels of the final two boats, Veliky Novgorod and Kolpino , will be laid down, the shipbuilder said.

The Project 636.3 submarines are an improved version of the 'Kilo' class, featuring uprated diesels, a propulsion motor rotating at half the speed (250 rpm), higher standards of noise reduction and an automated combat information system capable of providing simultaneous fire-control data on five targets.