Construction
of the Novorossiisk submarine started at Admiralty Shipyards in August
2010, followed by the Rostov-on-Don sub in November 2011 and the Stary
Oskol in August 2012.
The Varshavyanka-class is an improved version of the Kilo-class submarines
and features advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and
the ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets. Export versions
of the class are being built for Vietnam, China and Algeria.
These submarines are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine
missions in relatively shallow waters.
The vessels, crewed by 52 submariners, have an underwater speed of 20
knots, a cruising range of 400 miles (electric propulsion) with the
ability to patrol for 45 days. They are armed with 18 torpedoes and
eight surface-to-air missiles. |
