Home Europe Russia’s Northern Fleet commissions first Yasen-M submarine Kazan

Russia’s Northern Fleet commissions first Yasen-M submarine Kazan

Yasen-M submarine Kazan commissioning
Photo: Russian defense ministry

The Russian Navy commissioned its second nuclear-powered Yasen-class submarine in a ceremony in Severodvinsk on May 7.

While Kazan is the second unit in its class, it is the first to enter service with the Northern Fleet. It is also the first Yasen-M boat, featuring improved electronic weapons systems and less known changes to other systems.

Kazan entered service 12 years after starting construction in 2009, and four years after starting trials. According to Russian media reports, Kazan is one of three nuclear-powered boats that will enter service this year. The other two include the Borei-A submarine Knyaz Oleg, which was launched in July 2020, and another Yasen-M boat, Novosibirsk, which was launched in December 2019.

Sevmash photo of Kazan during the commissioning ceremony

The first Yasen and subsequent Yasen-M submarines (also referred to as Project 885 and Project 885-M) were designed by St. Petersburg-based Malakhit Central Design Bureau. They displace 13,800 tons while submerged and are equipped with 24 Oniks (SS-N-26) anti-ship missiles and Kalibr (SS-N-27) land-attack cruise missiles in addition to torpedoes. Earlier reports have said that the submarines could potentially be equipped with the new Zircon hypersonic missiles that are being tested.

The navy intends to build up to nine submarines in the class. In addition to Severodvinsk, Kazan and Novosibirsk, there are four additional units currently under construction.