Russia is reportedly decommissioning the K-132 Irkutsk nuclear submarine.
K-132 Irkutsk, the test vessel of the 949AM program, is reportedly being dismantled after numerous delays; if confirmed, Russia could cancel the upgrades of K-442 and K-150, leaving only four 949A vessels.
Russia has reportedly decided to decommission the K-132 Irkutsk nuclear submarine after a lengthy and repeatedly delayed modernization process. If this information is confirmed, it would be a negative signal for the 949AM upgrade program and could directly impact the structure of the Russian Navy's missile attack submarine force.
Overview and process
K-132 Irkutsk is of the same class as K-141 Kursk. The ship was sent to a shipyard for repairs in 2001 and is located near Vladivostok. According to reports, actual repair work only began in 2008 and has been repeatedly delayed.
- 2001: K-132 Irkutsk enters repair shop.
- 2011: The concept of upgrading to the 949AM appeared at this point in time.
- 2013: Modernization began under the 949AM program.
- Original plan: Completion in 2017, then postponed several times.
- Russian media previously reported: Relaunched in 2023, sea trials in 2024 (no official confirmation yet).
- Currently: After sitting on the dock for 26 years and not returning to service, Russia is reportedly in the process of dismantling the ship.
949AM Program: Technical Focus
The 949AM is an upgrade package aimed at redesigning Cold War-era submarines to suit modern warfare. The technical focus is on replacing the outdated Granit launch system with versatile vertical launch tubes.
- The new launcher allows for the deployment of Oniks, Kalibr, and later Zircon.
- Objective: To significantly increase range, flexibility, and adaptability in modern naval warfare.
- K-132 Irkutsk was selected as the first test vessel for this program.
A brief comparison based on the upgraded design.
| Category | Before the upgrade | After the upgrade (949AM) |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural projection | Specialized Granite Launching Platform | Multipurpose vertical launch tube |
| Weapon types | Granite | Oniks, Kalibr, Zircon (as planned) |
| Operational orientation | Limited configuration options | Increased flexibility and adaptability. |
Potential impact on submarine forces
If the decommissioning of the K-132 Irkutsk is confirmed, the 949AM program risks collapse. Consequently, the Russian Navy may cancel the upgrade of two other Antey submarines.
- K-442 Chelyabinsk: Under repair since 2014.
- K-150 Tomsk: decommissioned since 2022.
If this scenario occurs, the Russian fleet would only have four Project 949A submarines in active service: Smolensk, Tver, Orel, and Omsk.
Technical and tactical aspects
From a technical perspective, the 949AM aims to standardize the launch tube to integrate various missile types, allowing for more flexible weapon configurations depending on the mission. The transition from the Granit launcher to the multi-purpose launch tube is expected to improve range and adaptability to changing combat environments, aligning with the naval modernization trend.
However, the recurring delays in progress and the reported dismantling of Irkutsk highlight the significant technical, logistical, and industrial deployment challenges facing a program to extensively renovate platforms dating back to the Cold War.
Related developments
Previously, there were reports that Russia was restarting the upgrade of a Tarantul-class corvette after years of delays, converting the hull from the 1990s into a modern coastal attack vessel equipped with Kh-35 Uran anti-ship missiles. This is an example of an effort to utilize an old hull to meet new operational requirements, although the actual level of progress needs further observation.
Cautionary conclusion
Information regarding the dismantling and decommissioning of the K-132 Irkutsk is currently "rumored" and has not been officially confirmed. If confirmed, the biggest impact would be on the prospects of the 949AM program and the number of Project 949A submarines remaining in service. The technical facts mentioned above reflect the objectives of the upgrade program; however, the progress and final outcome depend on confirmation and actual implementation.
