Borey-class

Summary

Description

The Borei-class submarines are nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), constructed by Sevmash for the Russian Navy. They were designed to replace older Soviet-era Delta III, Delta IV, and Typhoon classes. With a smaller size and crew compared to the Typhoon class, they are closer in lineage to those of the Delta IV class.

Design work for the Borei project began in the mid-1980s, and construction of the first vessel commenced in 1996 after a previous Project 935 Borei II design from the 1980s was abandoned. Originally equipped with the R-39UTTH Bark SLBM, problems with this missile led to a redesign for the newer RSM-56 Bulava SLBM. Development was conducted by the Rubin Design Bureau, with Sevmash tasked for building the vessels in Severodvinsk. Reports in 2013 highlighted the Borei class's role in resuming strategic patrols in areas not visited by Russian missile submarines for 20 years.

The launch of the lead submarine, Yury Dolgorukiy, was delayed until April 2007 due to budget issues, marking the first Russian strategic missile submarine launch in seventeen years. Initially planned for 2002, the vessel did not enter the water until February 2008. Sea trials began later that year, with the submarine ready to receive Bulava missiles by July 2009. Following further trials, the Yuriy Dolgorukiy joined the Russian Navy in January 2013 and became operationally active in 2014 after a series of exercises. The Borei class has seen upgrades over time, with the first improved Project 955A submarine, the Knyaz Vladimir, launched in 2017.

The Borei-class features a compact and integrated hull for a reduced acoustic signature, with a hydrodynamically efficient design and the use of pump-jet propulsion —both firsts for Russian submarines. These advancements are aimed at making the Borei quieter than previous generations of Russian SSBNs. Although exact operational noise levels are not disclosed, the Borei-class's signature is speculated to be lower than that of the third-generation Akula-class and potentially also lower than the U.S. Virginia-class, although reports mentioned issues with hydraulic pumps causing noise after some operation.

Armament-wise, the Borei-class can carry 16 Bulava SLBMs, each potentially armed with 6-10 nuclear warheads. Subsequent vessels, like those in the Borei-A variant, have seen further improvements in communication and detection systems, maneuverability, and reduced noise levels. These variants cosmetically feature a new sail geometry and changes such as all-moving rudders.

Current and future variants of the Borei-class include the Project 955A (Borei-A) and the proposed cruise missile-armed Borei-K, which would parallel the American Ohio-class SSGNs. At the Army-2022 expo, a new Arcturus-class design was revealed, intended to eventually replace the Borei-class from 2037 onwards, emphasizing stealth and a reduced crew complement.

Technical specifications

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