Russian Navy Commissions Knyaz Pozharsky Nuclear Submarine
The Russian Navy officially commissioned the Knyaz Pozharsky, its latest nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, on July 24, 2025. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk (Arkhangelsk Region). Knyaz Pozharsky is the eighth Borei 955A class submarine and marks a significant advancement in Russia’s ongoing naval modernization efforts. The sub was initially launched on February 3, 2024.
Knyaz Pozharsky is approximately 170 meters in length and displaces around 24,000 tonnes when submerged. Like the rest of the class it is one of the largest submarines in the Russian fleet and features upgraded stealth features and sensors, including advanced sonar systems. It carries 16 RSM-56 Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Each missile is capable of delivering up to six independently targetable nuclear warheads.
The submarine is equipped with multiple 533 mm torpedo tubes for heavy torpedoes and it includes the REPS-324 Shlagbaum anti-torpedo system and Knyaz Pozharsky can also deploy RPK-2 Viyuga anti-submarine missiles. The boat is also equipped with modern radio-electronic sensors. Its reactor, navigation systems, and crew accommodations have been significantly improved. These features give the new submarine a much lower acoustic signature and more capable combat systems than older designs.
President Putin said at the flag-raising ceremony that the Borei-A boats are “the core of the strategic naval nuclear forces and will ensure the country’s security for decades to come”. This new submarine thus provides a strong second-strike capability and forms the backbone of Russia’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. Russia currently fields 14 SSBNs (eight Borei-class and six older Delta-IV units), meaning the new Borei-A boats will gradually replace the aging Delta fleet. Knyaz Pozharsky will join the Northern Fleet and is expected to conduct patrols in the Arctic and North Atlantic as part of Russia’s maritime strategy.
Putin also announced that six more Borei-A submarines will be delivered by 2030. Each submarine will carry the new nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle known as Poseidon. Poseidon was first revealed in 2015 and is reported to have an intercontinental range of about 10,000km and to carry a multi-megaton nuclear warhead. Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev confirmed that a 2025–2050 naval shipbuilding strategy is being drafted to emphasize strategic deterrence and advanced underwater capabilities.