30 Facts About Russian Submarines

Early Beginnings of Russian Submarines

Russian submarines have a fascinating history that dates back to the early 18th century. Their development has been marked by numerous innovations and milestones.

1. First Submarine Project: The first Russian submarine project was submitted to Peter the Great in 1718 by the peasant Efim Niconov. The project was constructed between 1723 and 1732.

2. Mechanical Engine Submarine: The first Russian submarine with a mechanical engine was constructed and tested in 1863-1866 by engineer Ivan Alexandrovskiy in the Baltic plant.

3. Electrical Engine Submarine: S. Dzhevetskiy designed, constructed, and tested the first Russian submarine with an electrical engine in 1876-1879. Under his last project, 50 submarines were constructed between 1879 and 1881.

The Dawn of Combat Submarines

As technology advanced, Russia began to develop submarines for combat purposes, significantly enhancing their naval capabilities.

4. Combat Submarine: The first combat submarine, DOLPHIN, was constructed between 1900 and 1903. It had above-water and underwater movement engines, was armed with two torpedoes and a machine gun, and could travel 60 miles at a speed of 5 knots submerged and 1000 miles at a speed of 7 knots surfaced.

5. Baltic Fleet Deployment: DOLPHIN was deployed in the Baltic fleet and later transported by railway to the Far East for combat operations during the Russo-Japanese War.

6. Submarine Forces Decree: On March 19, 1906, Emperor Nikolay II signed a decree to create submarine forces as part of the Baltic fleet, with the first formation situated in Libava.

Expansion and Innovation in the Early 20th Century

The early 20th century saw a significant increase in submarine construction and technological advancements.

7. Submarine Construction Period: Between 1900 and 1917, a total of 95 submarines were laid down and constructed in Russia.

8. Nuclear-Powered Submarines: The Soviet Union began designing its first nuclear-powered submarine, NOVEMBER, in September 1952. The first NOVEMBER-class submarine was laid down in Severodvinsk in September 1955 and delivered to the Navy in 1958.

9. Nuclear-Powered Fleet Expansion: By 1964, 12 additional nuclear-powered submarines were constructed and delivered to the Navy, marking a significant expansion of Russia’s nuclear submarine fleet.

The Era of the Typhoon-Class and Delta-4 SSBNs

The introduction of the Typhoon-class and Delta-4 SSBNs marked a new era in Russian submarine capabilities.

10. Typhoon-Class SSBN: The Typhoon-class SSBNs were introduced in 1981, with six submarines of this class constructed by 1989. These submarines were part of the third stage in the history of Russia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

11. Delta-4 SSBNs: Seven Delta-4 SSBNs were also constructed during this period, with the same range of fire as the Typhoon-class submarines.

Modern Russian Submarines

Despite years of neglect, modern Russian submarines are being revitalized with new designs and advanced technologies.

12. Akula-Class Submarines: The Akula-class submarines, once the pride of the Soviet Navy, have been reduced to a sorry state due to years of neglect. Despite this, new designs and construction projects are revitalizing Russia’s undersea nuclear arsenal.

13. Yury Dolgoruky: The Yury Dolgoruky, a Borei-class submarine, has endured a long and rocky road to active service. Originally planned to carry the R-39UTTH “Bark” intercontinental ballistic missile, it was later reworked to accommodate the RSM-56 “Bulava” missile.

14. Bulava Missile: The Bulava missile entered service in January 2013 after a series of delays and failures. It is capable of conducting evasive post-launch maneuvers and deploying countermeasures to defend against interception.

15. Borei-Class Submarines: The Borei-class submarines are technologically advanced, featuring sound-silencing and pump jet propulsion similar to that found on U.S. Virginia-class submarines. Each submarine costs approximately 23 billion rubles ($890 million), a fraction of the cost of a new U.S. Ohio-class submarine.

Advanced Capabilities and Strategic Importance

Modern Russian submarines boast advanced capabilities and play a crucial role in the country's maritime strategy.

16. Yasen-Class Submarines: The Yasen-class fast-attack submarines are designed to replace both the Akula-class fast-attack submarines and the Oscar-class guided-missile boats. They are equipped with advanced sound-silencing techniques and spherical-array sonar systems, making them quieter and more stealthy than their predecessors.

17. VA-111 Schval Torpedo: The Yasen-class submarines are armed with eight 25.6-inch torpedo tubes capable of launching the supercavitating VA-111 Schval torpedo, which can reach speeds in excess of 200 knots.

18. Multi-Mission Capabilities: Modern Russian submarines are multi-mission capable, including inserting special forces covertly and conducting conventional anti-submarine and anti-surface missions.

19. Russian Maritime Strategy: Russian strategic operations envision conventional strikes, single or grouped, against critical economic, military, or political objects. These may be followed by nuclear demonstration, limited nuclear strikes, and theater nuclear warfare.

20. Intelligence Collection Vessels: Some Russian submarines, like the Yantar, are outfitted with Manned Underwater Vehicles (MUVs) capable of cutting cables and operating Remotely Operated Underwater Drones (ROUD) for underwater hybrid warfare.

Historical Development and Foreign Influence

The historical development of Russian submarines has been influenced by both domestic innovation and foreign acquisitions.

21. Historical Development: The first Soviet submarines were medium-range Whiskey-class, with over 200 built between 1950 and 1958. The first long-range Zulu-class submarines and some short-range Quebec-class craft were also constructed during the early and mid-1950s.

22. Tsarist Russia’s First Submarine: Tsarist Russia built its first submarine, the Delfin, in 1901 at the Baltic shipyard in St. Petersburg. The Delfin displaced 115 tons submerged, carried two torpedoes, and had a maximum surface speed of six knots.

23. Foreign Submarines Purchased: Between 1904 and 1905, Russia purchased six Simon Lake Protector-class submarines from the United States. Additionally, three more submarines were purchased from Germany in 1907.

Recognition and Design Contributions

Russian submarines have gained recognition and have been significantly influenced by contributions from various design bureaus.

24. Submarine Recognition: Submarines as a new, independent class of naval ships obtained recognition in 1906. By Order No. 52 of March 11, 1906, issued by the Marine Ministry and signed by Vice Admiral A. A. Birilev, a category submarines was included into the Classification of Naval Ships.

25. Dolphin Submarine: The Dolphin submarine was one of the first submarines in service with the Russian Navy. It was part of the initial seven submarines (including six Kasatka-type submarines) recognized by the Royal Assent on March 19, 1906, marking the official birthday of the Russian Submarine Forces.

26. Design Bureau Contributions: The Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering Rubin (CDB ME Rubin) has made significant contributions to Russian submarine design. Under the leadership of I. D. Spassky, over 200 nuclear and diesel-electric submarines were constructed based on 20 projects developed by CDB ME Rubin.

27. Titanium Alloy Submarines: CDB-16 developed the design for the first high-speed nuclear-powered submarine with a hull made of titanium alloy (Project 661) and several modification designs of diesel-electric submarines for ballistic missile trials.

Evolution and Modern Design

Russian submarines have evolved significantly over the past century, with modern designs showcasing advanced technologies and capabilities.

28. Submarine Design Evolution: Over the past century, Russian submarines have evolved significantly. Submerged displacement has increased by more than 250 times, and the number of submarines built has exceeded 1,100.

29. Modern Submarine Design: Currently, practical submarine design in Russia is carried out by two design bureaus: CDB ME Rubin and St. Petersburg Marine Machine-Building Bureau Malakhit.

30. Strategic Importance: Russian submarines play a crucial role in the country’s maritime strategy, including conventional strikes, nuclear demonstrations, and theater nuclear warfare. They are also equipped with advanced technologies like sound-silencing systems and spherical-array sonar, making them formidable assets on the modern battlefield.

The Legacy of Russian Submarines

Russian submarines have come a long way since their inception in the 18th century. From the early mechanical engines to today's advanced nuclear-powered vessels, these submarines have consistently showcased Russia's naval innovation and strategic prowess. With milestones like the Typhoon-class SSBNs, Borei-class submarines, and the cutting-edge Yasen-class, Russia's undersea fleet remains a formidable force. The integration of advanced technologies like sound-silencing systems and spherical-array sonar ensures these submarines stay ahead in modern warfare. Their multi-mission capabilities, including special forces insertion and anti-submarine operations, highlight their versatility. As Russia continues to modernize its fleet, these submarines will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of its maritime strategy. The legacy of Russian submarines is a testament to their enduring importance in global naval history.