The Russian Navy marked a significant milestone with the official acceptance of the Arkhangelsk (K-562), its fifth Yasen-class nuclear-powered submarine and the fourth of the updated Yasen-M variant.
Delivered on December 27, 2024, at the Sevmash shipyard near the Arctic Circle, the Arkhangelsk represents a new chapter in Russia’s naval modernization. Designed for multi-role capabilities, this advanced submarine is poised to play a strategic role in Russia’s Northern and Pacific Fleets, raising concerns for the United States and NATO allies.
Here’s a detailed look at the capabilities and specifications of Russia’s newest advanced submarine.
Cutting-Edge Specifications of the Arkhangelsk
The Yasen-M class submarines are fourth-generation, multi-purpose nuclear-powered vessels equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art weapons systems and technologies:
- Missile Arsenal: The Arkhangelsk can carry Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles, as well as the cutting-edge Tsirkon hypersonic missile. The Tsirkon, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 9 and a range of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), can strike targets far beyond the Arctic Circle, making it a critical asset in the ongoing naval arms race.
- Torpedo Capabilities: While currently equipped with Soviet-era torpedoes, the submarine’s armament is expected to be modernized, addressing reliability concerns raised by previous incidents, such as the Kursk disaster in 2000.
- Nuclear Propulsion: Its nuclear-powered propulsion system allows for speeds of 16 knots on the surface and 28-31 knots underwater, with a maximum operational depth of 480 meters (1,575 feet).
- Stealth and Multi-Role Design: With a length of 130 meters, a width of 13 meters (43 feet), and a displacement of 13,800 tons, the Arkhangelsk is built for both stealth and versatility. It is capable of engaging both sea and land-based targets, enhancing its strategic value in various missions.
The Russian Navy marked a significant milestone with the official acceptance of the Arkhangelsk (K-562), its fifth Yasen-class nuclear-powered submarine and the fourth of the updated Yasen-M variant.
Delivered on December 27, 2024, at the Sevmash shipyard near the Arctic Circle, the Arkhangelsk represents a new chapter in Russia’s naval modernization. Designed for multi-role capabilities, this advanced submarine is poised to play a strategic role in Russia’s Northern and Pacific Fleets, raising concerns for the United States and NATO allies.
Here’s a detailed look at the capabilities and specifications of Russia’s newest advanced submarine.
Cutting-Edge Specifications of the Arkhangelsk
The Yasen-M class submarines are fourth-generation, multi-purpose nuclear-powered vessels equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art weapons systems and technologies:
- Missile Arsenal: The Arkhangelsk can carry Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles, as well as the cutting-edge Tsirkon hypersonic missile. The Tsirkon, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 9 and a range of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), can strike targets far beyond the Arctic Circle, making it a critical asset in the ongoing naval arms race.
- Torpedo Capabilities: While currently equipped with Soviet-era torpedoes, the submarine’s armament is expected to be modernized, addressing reliability concerns raised by previous incidents, such as the Kursk disaster in 2000.
- Nuclear Propulsion: Its nuclear-powered propulsion system allows for speeds of 16 knots on the surface and 28-31 knots underwater, with a maximum operational depth of 480 meters (1,575 feet).
- Stealth and Multi-Role Design: With a length of 130 meters, a width of 13 meters (43 feet), and a displacement of 13,800 tons, the Arkhangelsk is built for both stealth and versatility. It is capable of engaging both sea and land-based targets, enhancing its strategic value in various missions.
Strategic Role in the Northern and Pacific Fleets
The Arkhangelsk is stationed at Zapadnaya Litsa, the Russian Northern Fleet’s westernmost base, located just 60 kilometers (37 miles) from NATO-member Norway.
This positioning underscores the submarine’s importance in Arctic operations, where Russia seeks to secure its vast northern territories and maintain a stronghold in the increasingly contested High North.
The submarine’s deployment expands Russia’s ability to:
Defend Arctic Interests: With the Arctic emerging as a critical region for natural resources and strategic shipping lanes, the Arkhangelsk bolsters Russia’s ability to project power and deter adversaries in the region.
Ensure Nuclear Deterrence: The submarine plays a crucial role in safeguarding Russia’s ballistic missile submarines, a cornerstone of its second-strike nuclear capability.
Enhance Global Reach: The Yasen-M class’s versatility allows it to operate far beyond the Arctic, with Admiral Aleksandr Moiseev highlighting plans for deployments in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Implications for the US and NATO Allies
The acceptance of the Arkhangelsk signals a clear intent by Russia to modernize and expand its naval capabilities, posing significant challenges to the United States and NATO:
Increased Threat to NATO Waters: Armed with long-range missiles like the Kalibr and Tsirkon, the Yasen-M class submarines can hold European capitals and naval assets at risk from strategic positions in the North Sea and Arctic waters.
Escalation of the Naval Arms Race: The inclusion of hypersonic weapons like the Tsirkon introduces a new level of threat, as these missiles are designed to evade modern air defenses, potentially overwhelming NATO’s current systems.
Heightened Tensions in the Arctic: The submarine’s deployment near NATO-aligned Norway and its ability to strike targets across the Arctic and Norwegian Seas exacerbate existing geopolitical frictions in the region.
A Maritime Force to Watch
The Arkhangelsk and its sister submarines are part of Russia’s broader plan to field a total of 12 Yasen-M class vessels, with half slated for the Northern Fleet.
Future additions like the Perm, Ulyanovsk, Voronezh, and Vladivostok will continue to bolster Russia’s undersea warfare capabilities.
For the United States and NATO, this development necessitates a reassessment of naval strategies, particularly in the Arctic.
Enhanced surveillance, improved anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and a focus on next-generation missile defense systems will be critical to countering the growing threat posed by Russia’s advanced submarine fleet.
Conclusion
The commissioning of the Arkhangelsk marks a significant leap forward in Russia’s naval modernization efforts.
As a versatile and heavily armed platform, it strengthens Russia’s position in the Arctic and beyond, while challenging NATO’s dominance in these waters.
For both Russia and its adversaries, the deployment of the Yasen-M class submarines sets the stage for a new era of naval strategy, one defined by advanced technology, heightened tensions, and a focus on securing maritime dominance in an increasingly contested world.
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