The Russian Navy is planning to receive up to 10 diesel-electric submarines by 2020, a Navy spokesman said.
“The Russian Navy expects to receive 8-10 diesel submarines by 2020,” the official said on Monday.
The new submarines will strengthen primarily Russia’s Baltic and Back Sea fleets, he added.
Russia’s Admiralteiskie Verfi shipyard on Monday launched the construction of a Project 636.3 modernized Kilo-class submarine.
The Project 636 vessels, crewed by 52 submariners, have an underwater speed of 20 knots, a cruising range of 400 miles with the ability to patrol for 45 days. They are armed with 18 torpedoes and eight surface-to-air missiles.
The spokesman said the improved Kilo class submarines will feature advanced “stealth” technology, extended combat range and ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets.
The Russian Navy currently has about 20 diesel-electric submarines deployed to protect Russia’s territorial waters.
