Russia has launched the fourth of its Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarines. Russia has launched what it claims to be the “quietest submarine in the world.”
Admiralty Shipyards - a Russian defense company - held a ceremonial launching for its newest Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarines. According to the company’s website, the commander of Russia's Navy, Viktor Chirkov, attended the ceremony.
Dubbed the Krasnodar, the vessel is the fourth of a planned six upgraded Kilo-class subs Russia is constructing under Project 636.
Previously, Russian state media outlets have said that the Varshavyanka-class are the “quietest in the world, and so was dubbed ‘black hole’ by NATO.”
Novorossiysk, the lead submarine of the series, was delivered to the Russian Navy in August 2014, followed by delivery of Rostov-on-Don in December the same year.
The third vessel, Stary Oskol, has passed state trials, while the last two submarines named Veliky Novgorod and Kolpino are currently under construction.
The vessels under Project 636 have been modified to include upgraded combat characteristics, to enhance the Russian Navy in anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface-ship warfare, general reconnaissance and patrol missions.
The upgraded Kilo-class submarines feature six watertight compartments that are separated by transverse bulkheads in a pressurized double-hull. The submarines are also armed with torpedoes, mines, Kalibr 3M54 cruise missiles, and 533mm torpedo tubes.