Recently confirmed by a Russian authority, the next Yasen-M class attack submarine, Arkhangelsk, is set to be delivered to the Navy in the summer of 2025. Built by Sevmash, part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, the submarine conducted its maiden voyage in June 2024.
This update, shared a few days ago by Vladimir Maltsev, chairman of the National Movement for Fleet Support, revealed that the nuclear-powered attack submarine is currently undergoing state trials, and the Navy is preparing for its arrival. In November 2023, Arkhangelsk departed from the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk to complete its floating evaluations.
The Yasen-class/Project 885 nuclear-powered attack submarines were developed as part of Russia’s strategic force modernization initiatives. Their design draws on lessons learned from Soviet-era vessels, such as the Akula and Alfa classes. With a displacement of 8,600 tons, these submarines are equipped with vertical launch systems compatible with Kalibr and Oniks anti-ship missiles. They also feature 10 533mm torpedo tubes.
The Yasen-M variant incorporates improvements over the Severodvinsk, the first vessel in the class, including a hull length reduced by 9 meters. This modification was made to lower costs without compromising capabilities. Projections for the Yasen-M class submarines also include the ability to operate Zircon hypersonic missiles, a feature revealed in August by USC’s CEO.
Additionally, Sevmash is constructing five nuclear submarines under Project 885M. The submarines Severodvinsk, Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Krasnoyarsk from the 885/885M projects have already been delivered to the Navy. According to details previously reported by TASS, the total number of Yasen-family nuclear submarines under Projects 885, 885M, and 885MA is set to reach 12 with the construction of three additional submarines.
You may also like: During its transit to the Pacific Fleet, the Russian Navy’s nuclear submarine Ufa completed its official visit to China
