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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Russia's Black Sea Fleet Receives Last of 6 New Diesel-Electric Submarines

Sputnik News

13:09 31.05.2016(updated 15:55 31.05.2016)

The last of six Varshavyanka-class (NATO reporting name Improved Kilo-class) diesel-electric powered submarines for the Russian Black Sea Fleet has been launched at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.

ST. PETERSBURG (Sputnik) – Deputy Navy Commander-in-Chief Vice Adm. Alexander Fedotenkov, President of United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov and governor of St. Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko were present at the ceremony.

"Today is the significant event for the Russian Navy, for St. Petersburg, for the country. I would like to express gratitude to the workers of the shipyards from the Navy," Fedotenkov said during the ceremony.

The Varshavyanka-class (Project 636.3) is an improved version of Kilo-class submarines that features advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and the ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets.

The vessels, carrying crews of 52, have a top underwater speed of 20 knots and a cruising range of 400 miles (electric propulsion), with the ability to patrol for 45 days. The submarines are armed with 18 torpedoes and eight surface-to-air missiles.

The submarines are mainly intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow waters.

© Sputnik



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