The Russian Navy’s newest Borei-A ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Knyaz Oleg has arrived at the Northern Fleet’s main base in Severomorsk as it heads for its new home in the Pacific.
Knyaz Oleg arrived at its temporary homeport in the Barents Sea after entering service in December last year, two and a half years after its launch in July 2020.
The submarine was built by Sevmash and was handed over to the Russian Navy on December 21, together with cruise missile submarine Novosibirsk.
During its time with the Northern Fleet, Knyaz Oleg and its crew will have to undergo a basic training complex and pass course tasks at sea. After the crew confirms its readiness for the inter-fleet transition, the SSBN will head to its permanent permanent homeport in the Pacific Fleet. The boat will be based in Vilyuchinsk, on the Kamchatka peninsula.
Knyaz Oleg is the second improved Borei (Project 955A) submarine, and the fifth nuclear-powered unit in the class. The three Project 955 boats entered service between 2013 and 2014, while the lead Borei-A boat entered service in June 2020.
Borei-A submarines feature several design modifications for improved maneuverability and efficiency. Just like Borei, the Borei-A carry 16 Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missiles that were first fielded in 2013.
The boats measure 170 meters in length and displace 14,720 tons while surfaced. In addition to the Bulava SLBM, Borei-A submarines feature six torpedo tubes and can also launch Viyuga anti-submarine/ship missiles.
