Solemn keel-laying ceremony of non-nuclear submarine B-237 Rostov-na-Donu took place on Nov 21, 2011 at JSC Admiralteyskie Verfi shipyard.
The ceremony was attended by members of Russian government, St. Petersburg city administration, directors of Admiralteyskie Verfi, representatives of developer (Rubin Design Bureau) and orderer (Russian Navy).
This is the second Project 06363 non-nuclear submarine laid down at Admiralteyskie Verfi for Russian Navy. Construction of similar submarine Novorossiysk was started there in Aug 2010. In total, it is planned to build three Project 06363 subs for Russian Navy.
All subs will serve at Black Sea Fleet. The first submarine is expected to join the fleet in 2013. Second and third subs are to be completed in 2014. As was earlier reported, the series could be 3 submarines larger with delivery of the last one in 2015.
Project 636 Rostov-na-Donu is the third-generation diesel electric submarine; she is upgraded version of Project 877/877EKM known for excellent performance characteristics. The project is developed by Rubin Design Bureau. Project 636 submarines are distinguished by high silence, advanced navigation and comm equipment, mighty missile/torpedo armament. Test depth is 300 meters; endurance is 45 days; crew is 52 men.