Russian Submarine Retrofitted for Research
Russia has released a rejuvenated nuclear submarine down the slipways at the Zvezdochka Shipyard after it underwent in-depth repairs that have been ongoing for the past 16 years, the portnews.ru portal reported.
Originally one of six ballistic missile cruisers of the 667BDRM class, the Podmoskovye has emerged from its long retrofit as a special purpose vessel.
It was originally launched as a military vessel in 1986, but was ordered back to the Zvezdochka yard for remodeling in 1999. The news portal reported that financial difficulties resulted in the protracted, 16-year revamp.
The submarine will now undergo mooring tests, dive tests, and sea trials.
The new fixes on the vessel included removing its compartment for firing Sineva intercontinental missiles and replacing it with living quarters and facilities for scientific work.
Retrofits on the Podmoskovye also include equipment for allowing it to dock with other deep-diving submarines.
Reports from Svobonaya Pressa hinted at even further uses, saying the Podmoskovye will service not only other deep water exploration submarines but potential undersea research complexes in the interests of top secret operations for the Russian Defense Ministry’s deep water study program.
The expansion of living quarters led to a significant increase in the submarine’s length, though the agency did not indicate by how long.
The latest tweaks to the Podmoskovye, said the Barents Observer, make it possible for the vessel to dock smaller deep-diving submarines so they can conduct long duration undersea operations, particularly operations documenting the extent of Russia’s continental shelf as Moscow strives to broaden Arctic oil exploration.
Among those operations could be support and transport of Russia’s AC-12, or Losharik, deep diving titanium hulled nuclear submarine. The Losharik was in 2012 reportedly instrumental in charting the extent of the Mendeleyev Ridge along the North Pole’s seabed as part of Russia’s recent submission to the U.N. that it’s continental shelf includes the North Pole itself.
The Russian Navy over the past few years has invested a staggering amount in rebuilding its Northern Fleet, much of whose derelict submarines were dismantled in cooperative efforts with the United States and other nations for a fraction of the cost.
Last September, Russian President Vladimir Putin said this buildup was part of Moscow’s effort to fortify Russia’s position in the Arctic.
Russia has launched the lead multi-purpose missile submarines in two new classes, the Yasen and the Borei. The Yasen class’s $2.1 billion Severodvinsk submarine was launched for sea trials the same day Putin made his comments.
The next Yasen class submarine, the Kazan, is expected to cost $2.9 billion.
Source: Bellona