Russia Launches 13,800-Ton Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarine Ulyanovsk At Sevmash Shipyard
Our take
The recent launch of the Ulyanovsk, a 13,800-ton nuclear cruise missile submarine, marks a significant development in Russia's naval modernization program. Entering the final construction phase before trials and delivery to the Russian Navy, this vessel represents a tangible advancement in Russia's underwater capabilities, particularly its ability to project power across vast distances. This development arrives at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, and its implications extend far beyond a simple addition to Russia’s fleet. The Ulyanovsk’s capabilities are particularly noteworthy when considered alongside concurrent naval developments elsewhere; the U.S. Navy is preparing to retire the 18,000-ton nuclear submarine USS Georgia [US Navy Prepares To Retire 18,000-Ton Nuclear Submarine USS Georgia After 42 Years Of Service], signaling a shift in force structure and investment priorities, while the U.S. Coast Guard actively seeks combat-ready technology to neutralize underwater drones [U.S. Coast Guard Seeks Combat-Ready Tech To Neutralise Underwater Drones]. India’s ambitious plan to build a 200-ship fleet by 2035 [India Races Towards A 200-Ship Fleet By 2035 To Counter China And Pakistan] further underscores the evolving dynamics of naval power projection across the Indo-Pacific region.
The Ulyanovsk’s design incorporates the “Borei-A” class improvements, equipped with advanced missile launch systems capable of carrying a substantial number of long-range cruise missiles. These missiles, potentially carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, significantly extend Russia’s strike range and complicate strategic defense planning for potential adversaries. The submarine’s nuclear propulsion ensures exceptional endurance and stealth, allowing for prolonged deployments far from Russian shores. The emphasis on cruise missile capability reflects a strategic shift towards a more flexible and less provocative form of nuclear deterrence, while simultaneously maintaining a credible retaliatory capability. The integration of advanced sensor systems and communication technologies within the Ulyanovsk also points to an increased focus on intelligence gathering and real-time situational awareness, crucial for effective underwater operations in contested environments. This represents a significant investment in ocean intelligence capabilities, building upon Russia’s existing efforts to develop an integrated data ecosystem for maritime domain awareness.
The launch of the Ulyanovsk should be viewed within the broader context of Russia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and assert its influence on the global stage. The submarine’s deployment will likely influence naval deployments and exercises across multiple regions, particularly in the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indo-Pacific. The submarine’s enhanced stealth and long-range strike capabilities will necessitate adjustments in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) strategies and defensive posture by other nations. The Ulyanovsk’s entrance into service is not merely a technological upgrade; it’s a statement of intent regarding Russia’s commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced naval force, capable of projecting power and influencing events far beyond its territorial waters. The integration of these capabilities into Russia’s broader military doctrine will require careful analysis by policymakers and defense strategists worldwide.
Looking ahead, the successful completion of sea trials and subsequent integration of the Ulyanovsk into the Russian Navy’s operational fleet will be a key indicator of Russia's overall naval modernization progress. It also raises a critical question: how will the evolving underwater landscape, characterized by advancements in submarine technology, drone warfare, and ASW capabilities, reshape the balance of power and the rules of engagement in the world’s oceans? The interplay between the Ulyanovsk’s capabilities and the development of countermeasures, as exemplified by the U.S. Coast Guard’s pursuit of drone disabling technologies, will likely define a new era of underwater competition and strategic adaptation.
Russia’s new nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine, Ulyanovsk, entered the last construction phase before going for trials and delivery to the Russian Navy.
The launch event was organised on Jun 28, 2026, at Severodvinsk’s Sevmash Shipyard, where it was taken from the construction site into the water for outfitting.
The submarine weighs 13,800 tons and was built under Moscow’s Project 885M (Yasen-M). The original Project 885 Severodvinsk entered service in 2014.
Onboard systems will also be fitted by workers while the submarine remains alongside the shipyard before going for state acceptance trials before its scheduled delivery in December 2027.
Ulyanovsk will join the Northern Fleet once it enters service. Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev said the submarine is part of a larger effort to modernise the country’s naval forces.
“In June this year, the renowned Sevmash Shipyard laid down the nuclear-powered submarine Murmansk, while today the sixth cruiser in the Project’s series, the Ulyanovsk, is being rolled out of its slipway.
This is evidence of systemic work to renew the fleet and raise the Navy’s combat capabilities. The construction of the Ulyanovsk sub will be completed afloat, and it will undergo a series of trials. The submarine will subsequently operate within the Red Banner Northern Fleet and continue the glorious traditions of its predecessors,” he said.
Four Yasen-M submarines, namely the Kazan, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Arkhangelsk, are already in service alongside Severodvinsk.
Ulyanovsk is the 6th submarine in the series, which is nearing completion and is the latest addition to the class.
The production line is also continuous. In June, the shipyard laid down Murmansk, which is the 9th submarine in the series.
The Yasen-M class is designed to serve as the Russian Navy’s main attack submarines, capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship operations, land attack missions, and intelligence gathering.
They have heavyweight torpedo tubes and vertical launch systems for cruise missiles such as the Kalibr family and P-800 Oniks.
Their propulsion system makes them quieter when they operate, and they also feature upgraded sonar and combat systems. The hull is designed to reduce acoustic signature.
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