Russia’s Borei-Class Submarines Boast Sonar Power That ‘Outclasses’ U.S. Navy, Say Kremlin Experts
“The strategic nuclear-powered submarines of the Borei class are equipped with sonar systems capable of detecting underwater threats at distances 1.5 times greater than those of American nuclear submarines,” said Russian submarine experts, as quoted by state news agency RIA-Novosti.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Amid an increasingly hostile standoff between Moscow and Washington, Russian naval experts have stirred debate in global defence circles by asserting that the sonar suite aboard their Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines vastly outperforms the undersea detection systems fielded by American counterparts.
They claim the acoustic superiority of the Borei-class platforms represents a generational leap, with their sonar performance reportedly “twice as effective” as those deployed aboard U.S. Navy submarines and those operated by other Western powers.
“The strategic nuclear-powered submarines of the Borei class are equipped with sonar systems capable of detecting underwater threats at distances 1.5 times greater than those of American nuclear submarines,” said Russian submarine experts, as quoted by state news agency RIA-Novosti.
Such claims, if accurate, would represent a critical shift in undersea warfare, granting Russian SSBNs an expanded early-warning envelope in contested environments like the Arctic, North Atlantic, and Pacific strategic bastions.
The sonar suite in question—designated Irtysh-Amphora-B-055—is reportedly more capable than those fitted to the U.S. Navy’s fourth-generation Ohio-class and Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines, which form the backbone of America’s sea-based deterrent.
Experts claim that the Irtysh-Amphora-B-055 offers a detection range that extends approximately 100 kilometers farther than American sonar arrays, a differential that could provide decisive tactical awareness in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) scenarios.
The system’s performance edge lies not only in range but also in multi-target tracking, as it is said to be capable of monitoring up to 30 undersea targets simultaneously, including submarines, torpedoes, and naval mines—an essential capacity in increasingly cluttered and dynamic maritime theatres.
Borei-class nuclear submarine leaves its base.
The Irtysh-Amphora-B-055 comprises a high-performance hydroacoustic suite anchored by a primary Amphora spherical sonar array, supported by flank-mounted sensors and a towed array, enabling full-spectrum acoustic coverage across a wide range of depths and oceanographic conditions.
Leveraging digital signal processing technologies, the system enables directional sound acquisition, passive sonar sweep, and precise acoustic classification, which are crucial in environments where enemy platforms may operate under strict emissions control (EMCON).
Beyond traditional combat applications, the sonar suite enhances Russia’s strategic Arctic operations by measuring ice thickness and locating polynyas—ice-free areas in polar regions—which are critical for submarine surfacing or missile launches beneath the ice cap.
This capability reinforces Russia’s growing Arctic militarisation and complements its broader strategy of contesting northern sea lanes while projecting power across its bastion defence areas from concealed launch points beneath the polar ice.
Currently, the Russian Navy fields six operational Borei-class submarines, split between Project 955 and its improved derivative Project 955A, reflecting Moscow’s continued investment in strategic nuclear modernization.
Under Project 955, the fleet includes Yuriy Dolgorukiy, Alexander Nevsky, and Vladimir Monomakh, while Project 955A comprises Knyaz Vladimir, Knyaz Oleg, and Generalissimus Suvorov, featuring improved acoustics, stealth, and command-and-control systems.
An unindentified Borei-class submarines launching a “Bulava” ICBM
For instance, the Vladimir Monomakh—a standard-bearer of the class—is equipped to launch up to 16 RSM-56 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), each with a range of 8,000 to 8,800 kilometers, capable of striking across continents.
Each Bulava missile is armed with six to ten independently targetable nuclear warheads (MIRVs), providing Russia with a second-strike capability that is both mobile and difficult to intercept, underscoring the critical deterrent role of the Borei-class in Russia’s nuclear triad.
Measuring 170 meters in length, a single Borei-class submarine accommodates a complement of 107 officers and crew, ensuring round-the-clock operation on prolonged strategic patrols.
When surfaced, the submarine displaces 14,000 tonnes, increasing to 24,000 tonnes submerged, a reflection of the immense firepower, endurance, and survivability designed into this apex platform of Russian naval deterrence.
The Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) represent one of the most potent threats to Western military planners for several key strategic, technological, and geopolitical reasons:
1. Strategic Second-Strike Capability
The Borei-class is a core pillar of Russia’s nuclear triad, providing a mobile, stealthy, and survivable second-strike option. In the event of a nuclear conflict, these submarines can retaliate even if Russia’s land-based silos and air bases are destroyed, ensuring mutually assured destruction (MAD) remains intact.
2. Deadly Payload – Bulava ICBMs
Each Borei-class SSBN carries up to 16 RSM-56 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, with a range of 8,000–8,800 kilometers.
Each Bulava missile is MIRV-capable, meaning it can carry 6 to 10 independently targetable nuclear warheads, enabling a single sub to strike dozens of separate targets across North America or Western Europe.
This gives each submarine the potential to cause catastrophic damage to multiple urban and military targets in a single salvo.
3. High Stealth and Low Acoustic Signature
The Borei-class was designed with stealth as its top priority.
It features an advanced hydrodynamic hull, pump-jet propulsion, and anechoic coatings that drastically reduce sonar detectability.
Compared to older Soviet SSBNs like the Typhoon or Delta classes, the Borei is much quieter, approaching the acoustic stealth of the U.S. Virginia-class—a major concern for NATO navies.
Borei-class submarine
4. Advanced Sonar Capabilities
Equipped with the Irtysh-Amphora-B-055 sonar suite, the Borei-class can detect enemy submarines at longer ranges than many of its Western counterparts.
This may allow Borei-class boats to operate more aggressively, intercepting or avoiding NATO attack submarines with a greater degree of confidence.
5. Arctic and Bastion Strategy Integration
The Borei-class is designed to operate effectively under Arctic ice, using sonar to locate polynyas for missile launches or emergency surfacing.
This makes tracking them extremely difficult, as NATO forces have limited reach beneath Arctic ice caps, and Russia has heavily militarised its Arctic bastions.
From these sanctuaries, Boreis can launch from protected zones, limiting NATO’s preemptive strike options.
6. Survivability and Strategic Mobility
Borei-class submarines are mobile nuclear launch platforms, difficult to track and eliminate.
Once they deploy into deep waters or under ice, finding and neutralising them becomes a major challenge, even for advanced NATO ASW (anti-submarine warfare) assets.
This deters Western first-strike temptations, as a single undetected Borei could deliver apocalyptic retaliation.
7. Geopolitical Leverage and Strategic Messaging
The Borei-class isn’t just a military asset—it’s a symbol of Russian technological resilience and strategic reach.
Its presence enhances Moscow’s coercive diplomacy, especially during high-stakes confrontations like in Ukraine, the Baltic, or the Arctic.
Knowing that a virtually untraceable nuclear sub is lurking with city-killing missiles adds psychological weight to Kremlin brinkmanship.
Conclusion:
The Borei-class is dangerous because it combines survivability, stealth, long-range nuclear strike capability, and advanced sonar and navigation systems, making it a strategic nightmare for NATO planners.
It embodies a modern, mobile threat that reinforces Russia’s ability to project power and maintain credible nuclear deterrence in an era of increasing great-power tension.
