Home Europe Russian Navy receives first Borei-A submarine Knyaz Vladimir

Russian Navy receives first Borei-A submarine Knyaz Vladimir

Borei-A submarine Knyaz Vladimir
Photo: Sevmash

Russian shipbuilder Sevmash has formally delivered the first Borei-A (Project 955A) submarine Knyaz Vladimir to the Russian Navy.

The acceptance papers were signed on May 28, after the nuclear-powered ballistic missile boat returned to Severodvinsk from the final set of trials earlier this month.

Knyaz Vladimir is the first improved Borei unit, but the fourth submarine in the class. The first three subs, Yury Dolgorukiy, Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh, were commissioned in 2013 and 2014.

The Borei-A submarines benefit from improved acoustics, deep-sea running capabilities and more modern combat systems.

Knyaz Vladimir was launched in 2017 and started trials two years later. In October 2019, the boat performed a test launch of the Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile from the White Sea.

Russia has so far ordered 8 units, with a contract for another two expected to be placed this year. Borei submarines will form the backbone of Russia’s nuclear deterrent fleet.

Russian defense ministry photo of Knyaz Vladimir