Russia launches its 'deadliest' nuclear submarine ever.
(Baonghean.vn) - The state-of-the-art Yasen-M nuclear-powered submarine has just been launched in Russia. This new vessel, expected to be commissioned into the Navy next year, is capable of carrying all of Russia's existing cruise missiles, and possibly even more.
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| A Yasen-M submarine. Photo: Global Look Press |
The launching ceremony was held at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, northwestern Russia, on December 25th. The ceremony took place just days after the shipyard celebrated its 80th anniversary, and according to Sevmash Deputy General Director Sergey Voronko, such an event was the best way to mark the occasion.
Images of the launching ceremony have been released to the public, but they don't contain much information, as the new vessel remains top secret. The video only shows details of the submarine's stern and propellers, leading to much speculation.
The new submarine, named Novosibirsk, is expected to enter service with the Russian Navy next year, marking the first mass production of its type. The first Yasen-M submarine, named Kazan, is currently undergoing sea trials and is also expected to be commissioned into the Navy in 2020. Four more submarines of the same type are under construction, and at least two more are expected to be launched next year.
Although there is currently very little information about the new submarine, it is believed to be far more modern than its predecessor – the original Yasen-class submarines. These new submarines are capable of using all types of cruise missiles in the Russian Navy – especially the multi-purpose Kalibr and anti-ship Oniks – as well as carrying massive 533mm torpedoes.
These submarines could also carry the new Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, as it can be launched from the same barrel as the Kalibr and Oniks – although there has been no official confirmation of this. Moscow has recently shown great interest in using new types of munitions on many of its vessels, and this is unlikely to apply only to surface ships.
The launch of the Novosibirsk was not a secret, creating a stir in Western military media. The National Interest called the new submarine a "Russian Christmas gift to the US Navy," and described it as Moscow's "deadliest submarine ever."
Images of the new submarine have been released. Clip: RT
