The Russian Navy has confirmed that, just days after the launch of the “Yakutsk” at the Admiralty Shipyards of United Shipbuilding Corporation (OCK), another Kilo II-class attack submarine has begun its voyage to join the Pacific Fleet in the coming weeks. Specifically, the submarine B-588 “Ufa,” which has been operating in the Baltic Sea since its commissioning in 2022, is now en route.
Currently, Admiralty Shipyards is advancing several naval construction programs for the Russian Navy’s submarine fleet. Among the most significant is the production of additional Kilo II-class (also known as Improved Kilo or Project 636.3) submarines.
According to the latest reports, the shipyard is focused on the construction and delivery of the final Kilo II units intended to equip the Pacific Fleet. This includes the recent launch of the “Yakutsk,” which will be the sixth submarine of this class allocated to this strategic region. In September, the region received both the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Emperor Alexander III (Borei-A class) and the attack submarine Krasnoyarsk (Yasen-M class).
The Ufa is the fourth Kilo II constructed for the Pacific Fleet. Although earlier reports indicated its incorporation, the latest Russian Navy report confirms that it was still undergoing trials and preparation in the Baltic, recently starting its inter-fleet transit.
In an official statement, the Russian Navy said: “Built at the Admiralty Shipyards of the United Shipbuilding Corporation in St. Petersburg, the diesel-electric submarine Ufa is undertaking a journey from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Fleet via the Southern Sea Route.”
This part of the announcement is notable, as the Russian Embassy in India recently confirmed the Ufa’s arrival at the port of Kochi, in southwest India. The stopover by the Kilo II-class submarine is another demonstration of the historic ties between the two nations, highlighting various diplomatic and military protocol visits, although further itinerary details have not been provided.
Following its stopover in India, it’s likely that the Ufa, accompanied by a support and rescue vessel, will continue its journey to the Pacific Fleet’s home port. Looking ahead, the force expects to receive the submarines “Mozhaisk,” which was spotted by a Portuguese Air Force P-3C aircraft during a test voyage, and the recently launched “Yakutsk.”
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