Russian submarine force will get up to 10 Yasen-class subs and a closed-cycle submarine – Navy CIC

18.03.2011 Representatives of Navy Main HQ made a number of loud statements on the eve of the Submariners' Day.

Russian Navy will receive up to 10 Project 855 Yasen nuclear-powered attack submarines till 2020. Keel for the third submarine of this project will be laid down in 2011, reports RIA Novosti citing a top-ranking official from Russian Navy Main HQ.

Crucially new submarine powered by closed-cycle engine currently developed in Russia is going to replace present and prospective diesel electric subs, added the interviewee.

According to Navy Commander-in-Chief (CIC) Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky, construction of nuclear-powered attack and ballistic missile submarines is financed in high-priority way.

First in 2011 test launch of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava will be held in June after ice dissolution in the test range, said the missile's chief designer Yury Solomonov on March 17.

As for him, the missile's tests are supposed to finish this year. Once all trials are successful, SLBM Bulava could be commissioned in 2012.

On March 19 Russia celebrates the Submariners' Day. This year it will be 105th anniversary of Russian submarine force.