RPKSN (SSBN) K-535 Yuri Dolgoruky (2009), surfaced, on trials
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Russian strategic nuclear submarines will resume routine extended patrols in international waters around the world in June 2012, Navy C-in-C Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky said. At a meeting with naval personnel on Friday, Vysotsky said, “On 1 June, or a bit later, we’ll resume constant patrolling of the world’s oceans by strategic nuclear submarines”. The annual number of extended patrols performed by Russian strategic nuclear submarines and nuclear-powered attack submarines dropped from more than 230 in 1984 to less than 10 today. Nevertheless, the Russian high command still believes that the submarine fleet’s the backbone of the Russian Navy, and that it’ll continue to play an important deterrent role in the future. The Russian Navy has 12 nuclear-powered strategic submarines in active service, comprising five Project 667BDR Kalmar (Delta-III) class, six Project 667BDRM Delfin (Delta-IV) class, and one Project 941 Akula (Typhoon) class. Two Project 941 Akula class submarines, the Arkhangelsk and the Severstal, remain in reserve at Severodvinsk in northern Russia. Russia decided to suspend the planned disposal of strategic nuclear submarines currently in service with the Navy and plans to build eight new Project 955 Borei class strategic submarines by 2020. The first Borei class submarine, the Yury Dolgoruky, may join the Pacific Fleet as early as in June this year.
4 February 2012
RIA-Novosti
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