Romeo-class

Summary

Description

The Project 633 class, known in the West as the Romeo class, is a Soviet-built series of diesel-electric submarines that were constructed from 1957 to 1961. The design was a further development of post-war Soviet submarine technology, based on the German Kriegsmarine Type XXI submarine. The design and development were managed by Lazurit Central Design Bureau of Gorky.

The initial plan was to build 56 Romeo class submarines, but only 20 were completed due to the advancement and integration of nuclear submarines into the Soviet fleet. These submarines are now considered obsolete but have utility in training and surveillance roles.

Under the Sino-Soviet Friendship and Mutual Assistance Treaty, China received the designs for the Romeo class and began production of their variant, called Type 033, from 1962 to 1984. They constructed a total of 84 units along with exporting several to other countries. The Type 033 featured some improvements, including upgraded sonar systems and refrigeration suited for warmer climates. Six Chinese Romeo-class submarine variants were developed, including the Type 6633, Type 033, ES5A, Type 033G, Type 033G1, and ES5B. These variants introduced advancements such as the ability to launch wire-guided torpedoes and anti-ship missiles while submerged, as well as significant noise reduction and the adaptation of domestic Chinese technologies.

Currently, North Korea, Egypt, Russia, and China operate Romeo class submarines, primarily for training purposes, with North Korea maintaining an operational fleet. Countries like Bulgaria, Syria, and Algeria previously operated these submarines but have since decommissioned and scrapped them.

Technical specifications

Photo of Romeo class

Silhouette