26.07.2009
Source:
Construction of a second Project 885 Yasen (Graney) class nuclear-powered multipurpose attack submarine started on Friday at the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia, the company said.
Graney class nuclear submarines combine the ability to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles (up to 3,100 miles) with nuclear warheads, and effectively engage hostile submarines, surface warships and land-based targets.
The
Kazan submarine will feature more advanced equipment than the first vessel in the series - the
Severodvinsk, which was laid down in 1992 and is scheduled to join the Russian navy in 2010 or early 2011 after a long delay for financial reasons.
"The second submarine will have improved electronics and fire-control systems, and will be built exclusively with Russian-made materials and components,"
Sevmash spokeswoman Anastasia Nikitinskaya said.
The submarine's armament will include 24 cruise missiles, including the 3M51
Alfa SLCM, the SS-NX-26
Oniks SLCM or the SS-N-21
Granat/Sampson SLCM. It will also have eight torpedo tubes as well as mines and anti-ship missiles such as SS-N-16
Stallion.
Russia's Navy commander, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky, said in July last year that the construction of new-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile and attack submarines was a top priority for the Russian Navy.
Under the Russian State Arms Procurement Program for 2007-2015, the Navy is expected to receive at least five Project 955
Borey nuclear-powered strategic submarines equipped with new
Bulava ballistic missiles and two Project 885
Yasen nuclear multipurpose attack submarines.
