Russia Launches New Yakutsk Submarine for Pacific Fleet at Admiralty Shipyard.

According to information published by the Russian MoD on October 11, 2024, the Admiralty Shipyard held a ceremonial launch for the new Yakutsk diesel-electric submarine, part of the Project 636.3 series, designed for the Russian Navy.
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Launching ceremony of the Project 636.3 submarine Yakutsk. (Picture source: Russian MoD)

The Yakutsk is the sixth submarine in the series, specifically constructed for the Pacific Fleet. Laid down in August 2021 under the supervision of President Vladimir Putin, the submarine will now undergo outfitting, mooring trials, and sea tests before its formal transfer to the Navy.

About the class of submarines

Project 636.3, known as the Varshavyanka class by Russia and referred to as the Improved Kilo class by NATO, is a diesel-electric attack submarine. These submarines are an evolution of the older Project 877 Kilo submarines, benefiting from enhancements in stealth, navigation, and weapons systems.

The submarines of Project 636.3 have been primarily constructed at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. These boats are recognized for their stealth capabilities, often described as "black holes" due to their reduced acoustic signatures, which make them harder to detect underwater. They measure about 74 meters in length, with a submerged displacement of approximately 3,900 tons. Each submarine can carry six 533mm torpedo tubes, capable of launching Kalibr-PL cruise missiles, which allow them to strike both sea and land targets from a submerged position.

Designed for operations in the "near sea" zone, these submarines are intended to engage surface ships, submarines, and perform reconnaissance and patrol missions. Their introduction addressed delays and technical problems with the more advanced but troubled Project 677 Lada-class submarines, which led the Russian Navy to prioritize expanding its fleet of Project 636.3 boats.

Since 2010, these submarines have been steadily incorporated into both the Black Sea and Pacific Fleets. Russia also plans to deploy additional units to its Baltic and Northern Fleets.

Beyond Russia, other nations like China and Vietnam have also acquired variations of the Project 636 submarines, underscoring their export success and popularity as a non-nuclear alternative in modern submarine warfare.