U.S Geopolitical Expert Describes Borei-A Submarines as a “Significant Upgrade” for the Russian Navy

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – An American geopolitical expert has described Russia’s Borei-A class submarines as a “significant upgrade” for the Russian Navy, noting that they are quieter and more advanced compared to the country’s other submarine models.

According to the expert, Brandon J. Weichert, these nuclear-powered Borei-A class submarines present a substantial threat to Western nations.

 In his analysis, he highlighted that the Borei-A class submarines have a single mission: to deter their adversaries and, if necessary, launch ballistic missile strikes equipped with nuclear warheads.

Weichert stated that Russia plans to have up to 12 Borei-A class submarines by 2030.

 Currently, the Russian Navy operates four such nuclear-powered submarines: “Knyaz Vladimir” (Northern Fleet), “Prince Oleg”, “Generalissimus Suvorov”, and “Imperator Aleksandr III” (all three under the Pacific Fleet).

 

The Borei-A class submarines represent a major improvement over their predecessors, the 955-class submarines.

One of their key features is a special coating designed to absorb noise, making these nuclear submarines extremely quiet.

This noise-dampening coating, combined with specialized equipment, enables the submarines to patrol in near-silence, making them difficult to detect by enemy assets and submarines.

Russian media have claimed that their submarines, including the Borei-A class, are significantly quieter than U.S. submarines, such as the Virginia-class.

The Borei-A class submarine, built by the Sevmash shipyard and designed by the Rubin Design Bureau, has a surface displacement of approximately 15,000 tons and 24,000 tons when submerged.

Measuring 170 meters in length, the submarine can accommodate a crew of up to 107 personnel.

 

In terms of armaments, the Borei-A class is equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of striking targets up to 9,300 kilometers away.

This range allows for strikes on the United States from great distances.

Each Borei-A submarine is armed with 16 Bulava ICBMs, six 533mm torpedo tubes, anti-submarine missiles, and mines.

These powerful nuclear submarines are powered by the OK-650W nuclear reactor, which generates 170 megawatts (MW) of power.

 

Additionally, the Borei-A submarines are equipped with a special antenna at the front, part of the MGK-600B Irtysh-Amfora-Borei sonar system.

The American geopolitical expert concluded that Russian submarines like the Borei-A are exceptionally quiet and difficult to detect by Western submarines, making their primary mission of launching ballistic missile strikes from the ocean floor highly likely to succeed.  — DSA