Russia Commissions Fifth Yasen Nuclear Attack Sub

The Russian Navy has recently bolstered its fleet with the commissioning of the Arkhangelsk, the fifth submarine in the Yasen-M class. This advanced nuclear attack submarine was officially handed over to the Navy on December 27, 2024, during a ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. The Arkhangelsk is set to be stationed near Norway, enhancing Russia’s military capabilities in the region. This development comes at a time when tensions in the Arctic and surrounding areas are rising, prompting increased scrutiny from NATO and the United States.

The Yasen-M Class: A New Era of Submarine Warfare

The Yasen-M class submarines represent a significant advancement in Russia’s naval technology. Weighing in at 13,800 tons, these submarines are designed to carry a variety of strike weapons. Among their arsenal are the 3M-54 Kalibr NK land-attack cruise missiles, the P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles, and the cutting-edge 3M-22 Zircon hypersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. The Kalibr missiles, in particular, have been a focal point of concern for U.S. and allied forces, as they can reach targets up to 1,000 miles away. This capability allows submarines armed with Kalibr missiles to threaten a significant portion of Europe from the North Sea.

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The Arkhangelsk is the fourth Yasen-M submarine to be commissioned, following the Kazan, which entered service in 2021. The Russian Navy aims to expand its fleet of Yasen-M submarines to a total of 12 vessels, with plans for half of them to be based in the Northern Fleet. This expansion reflects Russia’s commitment to enhancing its undersea warfare capabilities, particularly in the High North, where submarine operations have become increasingly important. The focus on modernizing and expanding the submarine fleet is a strategic move to ensure that Russia maintains a strong military presence in key maritime regions.

Strategic Implications of the Arkhangelsk’s Commissioning

The commissioning of the Arkhangelsk has significant strategic implications for both Russia and its adversaries. The submarine is expected to play a crucial role in Russia’s military operations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. During the commissioning ceremony, Admiral Alexander Moiseev, head of the Russian Navy, emphasized the importance of the Yasen-M class in defending Russia’s maritime borders. He highlighted the successful deployment of the Kazan to Cuba earlier this year, marking a notable demonstration of Russia’s naval capabilities.

The increased presence of Russian submarines in the Arctic and surrounding waters has prompted a response from NATO and the United States. As Russian submarine operations expand, both the U.S. and its allies are paying closer attention to the region. The ability of the Yasen-M class submarines to strike targets at long distances poses a challenge to European security. With the Arkhangelsk now operational, the Russian Navy is better positioned to project power and influence in critical maritime areas.