30 Facts About Russian Submarines

Early Beginnings and Innovations

Russian submarines have a fascinating history that stretches back centuries. From the first rudimentary designs to advanced nuclear-powered vessels, each step has been a leap in technology and strategy.

1. The first Russian submarine project was submitted to Peter the Great in 1718 by the peasant Efim Niconov. This early attempt laid the groundwork for future innovations in naval technology.
2. The first Russian submarine with a mechanical engine was constructed and tested in 1863-1866 by engineer Ivan Alexandrovskiy at the Baltic plant. This marked a significant step towards more advanced submarine designs.
3. In 1876-1879, S. Dzhevetskiy designed, constructed, and tested the first Russian submarine with an electrical engine. This innovation further accelerated the development of submarine technology.

Combat and Operational Deployment

As Russia's submarine technology advanced, so did its operational capabilities. Early combat submarines played crucial roles in various conflicts.

4. The first combat submarine in Russia was the DOLPHIN, constructed between 1900-1903 under the projects of I. Bubnov and M. Beklemeshev. The DOLPHIN was armed with two torpedoes and a machine gun and could travel 60 miles at a speed of 5 knots in a submerged condition and 1000 miles at a speed of 7 knots in the surfaced condition.
5. During the Russo-Japanese War, six various types of submarines were constructed in Russia, with part of the submarine fleet engaged in combat operations. This period saw significant operational deployment of Russian submarines.
6. On March 19, 1906, Emperor Nikolay II signed a decree for the creation of submarine forces as part of the Baltic fleet, with the first formation of submarines situated in Libava. This marked a formal recognition of submarines as a vital component of the Russian Navy.

Rapid Development and Construction

The early 20th century was a period of rapid development for Russian submarines, with numerous vessels being constructed and deployed.

7. Between 1900-1917, a total of 95 submarines were laid down and constructed in Russia. This period saw rapid development and deployment of Russian submarines.
8. I. D. Spassky made significant contributions to the development of Naval Submarine Forces, overseeing the construction of more than 200 nuclear and diesel-electric submarines based on 20 projects developed by CDB ME RUBIN under his leadership. His work revolutionized submarine shipbuilding by reducing construction time and cost.
9. A decree issued by the Marine Ministry and signed by Vice Admiral A. A. Birilev included submarines in the Classification of Naval Ships, marking the official recognition of submarines as a distinct category of naval vessels. This date, March 19 (new style), is considered the official birthday of the Russian Submarine Forces.

Design Bureau Contributions

Key design bureaus have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Russian submarine fleet, contributing to numerous innovative designs.

10. Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering Rubin (CDB ME Rubin) and St. Petersburg Marine Machine-Building Bureau Malakhit are the primary design bureaus responsible for practical submarine design in Russia. These bureaus have developed numerous designs that have shaped the modern Russian submarine fleet.
11. Russian designers had to accelerate their development process due to the Russian-Japanese War and the approaching World War I. By 1917, 32 submarines built by Russian designers had already demonstrated their operational strength and formidable naval capabilities.
12. Marine Minister Ivan Konstantinovich Grigorovich played a crucial role in establishing the Russian Submarine Forces and the Russian Navy as a whole. His contributions cannot be overstated in terms of establishing the importance of submarines within the naval strategy.

Technological Advancements

Russian submarines have seen numerous technological advancements, making them formidable assets in naval warfare.

13. CDB-16 developed the design for the first high-speed nuclear-powered submarine with a hull made of titanium alloy (Project 661) and various modification designs of diesel-electric submarines for ballistic missile trials. This marked a significant technological advancement in submarine construction.
14. The use of titanium alloy in submarine hulls significantly improved durability and resistance to corrosion, allowing for more efficient and longer-lasting operations.
15. The Borei-class submarines represent a modern and impressive platform in the Russian submarine fleet. Despite being less visually striking than the Typhoon-class submarines they replace, the Borei contains advanced sound-silencing technology and pump jet propulsion similar to that found on U.S. Virginia-class submarines. Each Borei-class submarine costs approximately 23 billion rubles ($890 million), a fraction of the cost of a new U.S. Ohio-class submarine.

Modern Weaponry and Systems

Modern Russian submarines are equipped with advanced weaponry and systems, making them highly effective in various roles.

16. The Bulava missile system is a key component of the Borei-class submarines, offering dramatic technological leaps forward. It can conduct evasive post-launch maneuvers and deploy countermeasures and decoys to defend against interception. The Bulava missile also features ten hypersonic, independently maneuverable warheads protected against physical and electromagnetic-pulse damage.
17. The Yasen-class fast-attack submarines are designed to fill antisubmarine, antisurface, and tactical land-attack roles, replacing both the Akula-class fast-attack submarines and the Oscar-class guided-missile boats. The Yasen program originated in the Soviet era but faced repeated setbacks and delays before production began in 1993.
18. The Yasen-class submarines incorporate advanced sound-silencing techniques evolved from the Akula-class submarines, making them significantly quieter than their predecessors. This technology is crucial for stealth operations.
19. The Yasen-class submarines are equipped with Russia’s first spherical-array sonar system, which provides enhanced detection capabilities. However, some analysts question the accuracy of these claims, speculating that the actual sonar array might be cylindrical.
20. The Yasen-class submarines bristle with eight 25.6-inch torpedo tubes capable of launching the supercavitating VA-111 “Schval” torpedo, Russia’s “carrier killer.” The Schval torpedo can reach speeds in excess of 200 knots, making it a formidable weapon.

Historical Milestones

Throughout history, Russian submarines have achieved numerous milestones, contributing to their legacy as powerful naval assets.

21. Tsarist Russia built its first submarine in 1901 at the Baltic shipyard in St. Petersburg. Named the Delfin, she displaced 115 tons submerged, carried two torpedoes, and had a maximum surface speed of six knots.
22. During 1904 and 1905, Russia purchased six Simon Lake Protector-class submarines from the United States. In 1907, they purchased three more submarines from Germany (built by Krupp’s Germania yard at Kiel).
23. After the Revolution, recovered Tsarist submarines were put back into service. Eight of them were in the Baltic, and three in the Black Sea—all from the pre-revolutionary era.
24. It wasn’t until 1916 that the first operational submarines from the 1912 program were made available. Despite firing large numbers of torpedoes, these vessels had only six sinkings to their credit, all cargo vessels.
25. In the early 20th century, Bavarian engineer W. Bauer conducted diving trials at Kronstadt, which sparked Russian interest in submarine technology. By 1914, Russia had 22 submarines in various seas, although they were scarcely fit for more than training.

Impact of Wars and Conflicts

Wars and conflicts have significantly influenced the development and deployment of Russian submarines, pushing technological boundaries.

26. The Russian-Japanese War accelerated the development of Russian submarine shipbuilding. This period saw rapid advancements in submarine technology and operational deployment.
27. During World War I, submarines became an operational strength of the Russian Navy. By this time, Russian designers had confidently declared themselves to be a formidable naval weapon.
28. Marine Minister Grigorovich’s importance in establishing the Russian Submarine Forces cannot be overstated. His contributions to the Russian Navy as a whole were instrumental in shaping its strategic capabilities.

Modern Fleet and Strategic Importance

Today, Russian submarines play a crucial role in the country's naval strategy, equipped with advanced technologies to counter global threats.

29. Today, Russia operates a diverse fleet of submarines, including nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines like the Borei-class and attack submarines like the Yasen-class. These vessels are equipped with advanced technologies designed to counter NATO’s sea-control capabilities.
30. The Russian submarine fleet plays a critical role in Russia’s naval strategy, particularly in closing the sea-control capability gap with NATO. With its air power eroded, Russia relies heavily on its submarines to maintain its maritime presence and deter potential threats.

The Legacy of Russian Submarines

Russian submarines have come a long way from their humble beginnings in the early 18th century. From the first mechanical and electrical submarines to the advanced nuclear-powered vessels of today, each generation has pushed the boundaries of naval technology. Key innovations like titanium alloy hulls, advanced sound-silencing techniques, and powerful missile systems have made these submarines formidable assets in modern naval warfare. The Borei and Yasen classes, with their cutting-edge features, exemplify Russia's commitment to maintaining a strong maritime presence. These submarines play a crucial role in Russia's naval strategy, helping to close the sea-control capability gap with NATO. Understanding the rich history and technological advancements of Russian submarines offers a glimpse into their strategic importance and enduring legacy.