Russia launches newest Yasen-M nuclear attack submarine Ulyanovsk

Russia floated its latest Project 885M Yasen-M attack submarine, Ulyanovsk, from the Sevmash yard, beginning a series of trials before it joins the Northern Fleet.

Russia has floated out Ulyanovsk, the newest Project 885M Yasen-M nuclear-powered attack submarine, from the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. Senior officials such as Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev and Sevmash director Mikhail Budnichenko attended the ceremony, noting that the boat will undergo mooring, sea and state acceptance trials before a scheduled handover to the Russian Navy in December 2027.

The submarine is expected to join the Northern Fleet after completing its trial programme. The Yasen-M class, designed by the Malakhit Design Bureau, improves on the original Yasen with a shorter hull, enhanced stealth, greater automation and reduced acoustic signature. It displaces about 13,800 tonnes, measures roughly 130 m and carries a crew of around 64, capable of speeds over 30 knots. Its armament includes eight vertical launch system modules for Kalibr cruise missiles and P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles, with newer units anticipated to launch the 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile, plus ten 533 mm torpedo tubes for torpedoes, anti-submarine missiles and mines.