Russian Navy and particularly submarine force which turned 104 on Friday are getting new nuclear-powered and diesel submarines with new characteristics. Within the framework of state arms program 2007-2015 it is planned to launch full-scale production and to commission eight Borei-class SSBNs which are to become the basis of Russia's naval strategic nuclear forces after 2018, said official from Navy Main HQ. Each nuclear-powered sub will carry 12 Bulava-type ballistic missiles. It is also planned to put into service SSBN Yury Dolgoruky.
According to the official, by 2015 Russian Navy would get several nuclear-powered and diesel submarines of new generation designed by Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering.
In 2007 4th generation diesel electric submarine St. Petersburg (Lada class) was delivered to the Navy; in 2008 – diesel electric submarine B-90 Sarov built at defense shipyard Sevmash.
On March 19, 1906 by the decree of Russian Maritime Ministry submarines were declared an independent class of warships. In accordance with the order of Navy Commander-in-Chief, this day is annually celebrated since 1996 as Submariners' Day.
Source: ITAR-TASS, photo: Project 955 Borei nuclear submarine (podlodka.su)