Russia’s first Graney class nuclear-powered attack submarine set course on Monday for scheduled sea trials, the Sevmash shipyard said.
The Severodvinsk has been under construction at the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia since 1993 and was launched in June last year after numerous delays due to financing problems. The submarine is expected to enter service with the Russian Navy by the end of this year.
Graney class nuclear submarines are designed to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles (up to 3,100 miles or 5,000 km), with conventional or nuclear warheads, and effectively engage submarines, surface warships and land-based targets.
The submarine’s armament includes 24 cruise missiles and eight torpedo launchers, as well as mines and anti-ship missiles.
The second vessel of the Graney class, the Kazan, is being built at Sevmash while the construction of the third submarine will begin this year.
The Russian Navy plans to receive up to 10 Graney class subs by 2020.
