Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially launched the nuclear-powered submarine ‘Perm’, a significant addition to Russia's already formidable submarine fleet. This new vessel is the sixth submarine in the Project 885/885M Yasen-class series, constructed at the Sevmash Shipyard. The unveiling of this advanced multipurpose submarine comes as Russia continues to bolster its defense capabilities amidst global tensions. The Perm is equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles, which are capable of traveling at speeds several times faster than the speed of sound, making it one of the most advanced weapons in Russia's military arsenal.

The Significance of the ‘Perm’ Submarine Launch

The Perm submarine is a cutting-edge vessel designed for multipurpose operations, including the ability to target surface ships, submarines, and land-based installations. With its Zircon hypersonic missiles, the submarine is a significant leap in Russia’s naval strength. These missiles, capable of reaching speeds of 8-9 Mach (around 10,000 kilometers per hour), are not only anti-ship weapons but have also been used in attacks against Ukrainian cities since early 2024.

Putin highlighted the submarine’s strategic importance, especially in regions like the Arctic, where Russia has a growing presence. He emphasized that the Perm would enhance Russia's maritime security and bolster its ability to protect national interests.

The Russian Submarine Fleet

Russia's submarine fleet is one of the largest and most diverse globally, comprising over 64 vessels. This includes a mixture of nuclear-powered, diesel-electric, ballistic missile, and attack submarines. A key component of Russia’s defense architecture, the fleet plays a central role in the country’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

The fleet is primarily divided into four categories:

1. Diesel-Electric Attack Submarines (SSKs): 23 vessels

2. Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs): 16 vessels

3. Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines (SSNs): 14 vessels

4. Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile Submarines (SSGNs): 11 vessels

Submarine Classes in Russia's Fleet

Several submarine classes contribute to the strength of Russia's naval force. These include:

• Borei-Class: These SSBNs are integral to Russia's nuclear deterrence strategy. They are 170 meters long, can travel at 29 knots when submerged, and carry multiple ballistic missiles.

• Yasen-Class: These nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines (SSGNs) are designed for multipurpose missions, including targeting ships, submarines, and land-based sites. At 119.8 meters, they can reach speeds of up to 31 knots submerged.

• Delfin-Class: Built between 1985 and 1992, these 167-meter long submarines can travel up to 22 knots when submerged.

• Kalmar-Class: Measuring 155 meters, these submarines can travel at 25 knots underwater.

• Shchuka-Class: With a length of 107.2 meters, they can travel at speeds of 30 knots submerged and are known for their capacity to carry up to thirty-six mines instead of torpedoes.

Russia's Submarine Industry: A History of Resilience and Growth

Russia’s submarine industry has faced many challenges, particularly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, over the years, the country has made significant progress in modernizing its fleet. In the 1990s, Russia launched a major project to revamp its submarine fleet, starting with the construction of the Yasen-class submarine Severodvinsk (K-885). Though initially delayed due to financial constraints and technical issues, the submarine was eventually commissioned in 2014.

Since then, Russia has actively pursued the construction of more advanced Yasen-class submarines. For instance, the second vessel in this class, Kazan, was launched in 2017 and became operational with the Northern Fleet in 2021. In June 2019, Russia further bolstered its fleet by contracting with Sevmash Shipyard to build two additional Project 885-M Yasen-class nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Russia's Nuclear-Powered Submarine Strategy

The introduction of the Perm is part of Russia's broader strategy to modernize its nuclear-powered submarines, particularly SSNs and SSGNs, through the more advanced Project 885-M Yasen-class vessels. These submarines are designed for a wide range of operations, from anti-submarine warfare to nuclear deterrence, and they represent the cutting edge of Russia’s naval capabilities.

As Russia continues to enhance its submarine fleet, the Perm and other Yasen-class submarines are expected to serve as critical assets for the country’s defense strategy, particularly in strategic regions like the Arctic. With the addition of advanced weapons like the Zircon hypersonic missiles, Russia’s submarines are poised to significantly impact global military dynamics.

Conclusion

The launch of the Perm nuclear-powered submarine is a major milestone for Russia’s submarine fleet, which remains one of the most diverse and powerful in the world. With a mix of nuclear-powered, diesel-electric, ballistic missile, and attack submarines, Russia is reinforcing its position as a global naval powerhouse. The Perm, along with the broader Yasen-class series, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Russia's military strategy, especially with its advanced Zircon hypersonic missiles capable of reshaping naval warfare. As tensions continue to rise globally, Russia’s expanding submarine fleet signals its continued commitment to strengthening its maritime defenses.

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