Zvezdochka Shipyard Launched SSBN Smolensk

06.08.2012 Project 949A Antei nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Smolensk was launched at Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center, a source in Russian defense industry told Central Navy Portal.

Slipway phase of repair has been completed. In the night of Aug 5, SSBN Smolensk (K-410) was put afloat.

SSBN Smolensk was laid up for technical recovery in Sept 2011. Most of hull and dock works were done during the slipway phase of repair. After launching, the overhaul will be continued afloat.

Shipwrights of Zvezdochka will reload reactor core and carry out other repair works on the sub's hardware. Upon termination of repairs, service life of SSBN Smolensk will be 3 years longer.

The submarine is to be recommissioned in the summer of 2013.