Russian Navy Receives Fifth Yasen-M Class Nuclear Submarine “Arkhangelsk”

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Russian Navy has officially received its latest Yasen-M class nuclear-powered submarine, Arkhangelsk, at the Sevmash shipyard, according to Russia’s Ministry of Defence as reported by local media.

RIA news agency stated that the nuclear submarine, equipped with Tsirkon hypersonic missiles and Kalibr cruise missiles, was formally handed over to the Russian Navy last Friday.

Four additional Yasen-M class submarines are reportedly under construction.

“The Yasen-M class nuclear submarine Arkhangelsk is armed with naval missiles capable of effectively striking both maritime and coastal targets,” said Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, as quoted by RIA.

Currently, the Russian Navy operates four Yasen-M class submarines – K-560 Severodvinsk, commissioned in 2013 and serving with the Northern Fleet, and K-561 Kazan, commissioned in 2021, also part of the Northern Fleet.

The third Yasen-M submarine, K-573 Novosibirsk, entered service in 2021 with the Pacific Fleet, while K-571 Krasnoyarsk, commissioned in 2023, is also deployed with the Pacific Fleet.

Designed for multi-role missions, the Yasen-M submarines are capable of targeting surface warships, submarines, and land-based objectives.

Their advanced stealth technology, high-speed submerged operations, and formidable weaponry make them a crucial component of Russia’s naval deterrence and power projection strategy.

The Yasen-M submarines are outfitted with cutting-edge systems that significantly enhance combat effectiveness compared to the original Yasen-class, featuring greater automation, quieter operations, and improved sensor integration.

Senior Pentagon officials anticipate that within the next one to two years, Russia’s powerful Yasen-class submarines will increase patrols near U.S. coastal waters.

In 2021, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) chief General Glen Van Herck remarked that Russia had begun deploying assets, including the “extremely quiet” Yasen-M submarines, posing a potential threat to U.S. territorial security.

“The threat is growing. Last year, Russia deployed Yasen-class submarines to the Pacific,” Van Herck said.

“Now, they are present not only in the Atlantic but also in the Pacific, and within the next year or two, we will face more frequent threats, 24 hours a day.”

“This reduces the decision-making time for national leaders during a crisis,” he added.

Also known as the Severodvinsk class by NATO, the 13,800-ton Yasen submarines are regarded by defense analysts as some of the most capable submarines globally.

In 2018, a Yasen-class submarine, identified as Severodvinsk, reportedly evaded U.S. platforms for weeks, according to media reports. – DSA