Defense Ministry: No Decision On Akula Subs Utilization Was Made

30.09.2011 Project 941 Akula (NATO classification – Typhoon) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines are still operational, the decision to utilize them has not been made, reported RIA Novosti on Sept 29 referring to a top-ranking representative of Russian defense ministry. He commented reports emerged in some media sources about defense ministry's plans to utilize submarines of this project.

"The ministry has not made such decision. All submarines are in service", said the interviewee. He emphasized that SSBN Dmitry Donskoy (Project 941U) will stay in Russian Navy's inventory for a quite long time as a reserve test platform for newest Russian ballistic missile Bulava.

All test launches of the missile until 2011 were held by SSBN Dmitry Donskoy, reminded the official. Since 2011 Bulava trials are conducted on standard platform – SSBN Yury Dolgoruky (Project 955 Borei).

However, according to the officer, two other subs of this project – SSBN Severstal and SSBN Arkhangelsk – are really moored at Sevmash shipyard awaiting their fate. "The problem is that the subs are not armed with standard missiles R-39. JSC Yuzhmash (Ukraine) has not produced such missiles since 1981", said the interviewee.

With displacement of over 40,000 tons, Project 941 nuclear-powered ballistic submarines are largest in the world. They are made by catamaran method – there are two strength hulls interconnected with passages under external hull. Ballistic missile launchers are located between the strength hulls. Akula-class submarines could carry up to 20 ballistic missiles and outclassed American Ohio-class subs.