Russia launched Nuc-Powered Yasen-M Class Submarine

Russian Navy’s new nuclear-powered Yasen-M (Project 885M) class submarine Novosibirsk launched today (Dec 25) at Sevmash Shipyard.

The Russian Navy currently operates the Project 885 Yasen nuclear-powered submarine Severodvinsk. The Project 885M Yasen-M lead submarine Kazan is undergoing trials. The sub is set to enter service in 2020.

The Project 885 and 885M nuclear-powered subs carry Kalibr-PL and/or Oniks cruise missiles. Eventually, they will get Tsirkon hypersonic missiles. The Sevmash Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) is currently building six Project 885M nuclear-powered submarines. In 2019, the Shipyard signed a contract on building two more submarines of this Project.

The Yasen-M Class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines (SSGN) represent the most modern and potent Russian submarines are and widely regarded as similar to the latest Western submarines. The closest comparison is the US Navy’s Seawolf Class but the Russian design incorporates a large bank of vertical launch tubes (VLS) for cruise missiles.