Two new improved Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines will be laid down this year for the Russian Navy, the first of six Kilos (Russian designation: Project 636.3 Varshavyanka) to be deployed to the Pacific Fleet.

The fleet currently operates seven of the older version of the Kilo (Project 877 and Project 636). The six new Project 636.3 Varshavyanka subs will be delivered from 2019 to 2021 and will be built by the Admiralty Shipyard, one of Russia's largest military shipbuilders located in St. Petersburg.

Like Us on Facebook

Russia previously built six Varshavyanka-class submarines for the Black Sea Fleet, the last of which was launched in 2015.

The Kremlin approved the construction of six improved Kilos in September 2016. The new subs will feature improved combat effectiveness and enhanced stealth and navigation capabilities, according to the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering, the submarine's developer.

The Kilo-class was built for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in relatively shallow or littoral waters. Anechoic tiles are fitted on casings and fins to absorb the sound waves emitted by active sonar. This results in a reduction and distortion of the return signal, making the sub harder to detect.

The Kilo-class is Russia's most popular export submarine. Only last month, Russia delivered the sixth and last Improved Kilo-class diesel electric submarine (Project 636.1 Varshavyanka) contracted by Vietnam in 2009.

The submarine was transported from the Admiralty Wharves Shipyard in St. Petersburg in northwest Russia to Cam Ranh in central Vietnam aboard the Dutch heavy load carrier, Rolldock Star.

All six submarines delivered to Vietnam are armed with the 3M-54E Club-S submarine launched anti-ship cruise missiles. The Club-S carries a 200 kg warhead and has a range of range 220 km.

The Vietnam People's Navy has commissioned four of the first five Kilo-class submarines: HQ-182 Hà Noi; HQ-183 Ho Chí Minh City; HQ-184 Hai Phòng and HQ-185 Khánh Hoà. The fifth sub, HQ-186 Ðà Nang, is still undergoing sea trials.

TagsKilo-class diesel-electric submarines, Russian Navy, Project 636.3 Varshavyanka