Monsters of the deep: Russia’s most terrifying  submarines

636.3 project Warshavynka submarine

The Krasnodar, a Project 636.3 Varshavyanka diesel-electric submarine, returns from a mission in the Mediterranean Sea.

Alexei Pavlishak/TASS

“This is one of the stealthiest subs in Russia’s hands. Its diesel-electric engine makes it hard to pick up on enemy hydro-acoustic systems, thus making this underwater monster almost undetectable until it attacks its prey,” former Supreme Commander of the Black Sea Fleet Igor Kasatonov told Russia Beyond. He says armies around the globe call the Warshavynka the “Black Hole” because of this. It can also target subs from outside the range of enemy radars.

In 2015, these underwater vessels were used in the fight against Islamic State in Syria for the first time, firing Russia’s new Kalibr cruise missiles. The sub is also equipped with torpedoes, underwater mines, and rocket launchers that have a range of up to 2,500 km. Kalibr cruise missiles skirt terrain on their way to each target, making them almost undetectable. Each rocket is loaded with a 500-kilo high-explosive warhead that can create a crater 100 meters wide. Kalibrs also have a hit range of 30 meter.  

According to Kasatonov, by 2020 Russia's defense enterprises will build six such submarines for the Pacific Ocean Fleet as well as another six for the Black Sea Fleet.

955 project Borei-class submarines

Project 955 is a new page in the development of nuclear submarines fleet of Russia. They produce five times less noise than previous era ships of project 971 and 949A.

Ildus Gilyazutdinov

The Project 955 is a new page in the development of Russia’s nuclear submarine fleet. They produce five times less noise than previous era project 971 and 949A subs.

It’s the first Russian submarine using a single-shaft water-jet propulsion system. For stealth the Borei also has two reclining thrusters and retractable bow hydroplanes with flaps.

All the submarines in this class are equipped with popup rescue chambers for the whole crew. In addition, unlike its predecessors, Project 955s are able to launch ballistic missiles while traveling through ice. Prior to that, subs had to "hang" in the water before firing. These submarines will serve as a part of Russia’s nuclear deterrence trio and will be loaded with Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles. Check out the infographics.

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