Nuclear submarine Kazan returns to Zaozyorsk after two-month mission.

According to information published by ВМФ Россииµ on July 22, 2024, residents of the city of Zaozyorsk have taken to social media to announce the return of the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan to its home port after a two-month-long oceanic mission.
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Yasen-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine Kazan. (Picture source: VKontakte)

The Russian submarine Kazan (K-561) is a Yasen-M class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine of the Russian Navy. Developed by the Malachite Design Bureau in Saint Petersburg, Kazan is an advanced and somewhat modified version of its predecessor, the Severodvinsk.

Notably, Kazan is about 12 meters shorter due to the removal of a sonar array from its bow, a change intended to reduce construction costs without significantly impacting its operational capabilities. This submarine features a newly designed cooling system for its nuclear reactor, enhancing its stealth and efficiency​.

Kazan began its construction in 2009 and was launched in 2017. After several delays attributed to complex control system issues, it was finally commissioned into service on May 7, 2021. The submarine's sea trials included test firings of the Kalibr and P-800 Oniks cruise missiles​​.

In June 2024, Kazan made headlines when it arrived in Havana, Cuba, as part of a Russian naval detachment that included the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and support vessels.

This visit was part of a long-distance deployment that involved joint exercises and protocol events. During its transit to Cuba, Kazan participated in simulated anti-ship missile strikes in the Atlantic Ocean.

The presence of the Kazan in the Caribbean was closely monitored by the U.S. and Canadian military forces, reflecting ongoing tensions and the strategic importance of submarine movements in global naval operations.

Despite concerns about potential threats, officials from the U.S. Northern Command stated that such deployments are part of routine naval activities and do not pose a direct threat​​.