The Russian submarines of the Borey project are a significant step in the development of nuclear submarines. These submarines surpass some of the capabilities of American submarines and challenge the naval dominance of the West, writes Brandon Weichert in an article for The National Interest.
The submarines of the Borey project are among the most advanced in the world. Although they were created in 1996, the first boat of this class entered the open sea only in 2009, and it was adopted by the Russian Navy only in January 2013. Another such submarine was commissioned in 2020. Currently, the Russian Navy operates four submarines of the Borey project, according to an article in The National Interest.
These submarines were designed by the Rubin Marine Engineering Design Bureau and built at the legendary Sevmash shipyard. The Boreas were developed using water-jet engines and equipped with OK-650 reactors. They can carry up to 20 of Russia’s latest Bulava ballistic missiles, as well as anti-ship missiles for regional defense.
Borei is equipped with the most advanced hydroacoustic system Irtysh-Amfora-B-055, which provides its crew with greater situational awareness.
The Russian system surpasses the sonar capabilities of the fourth-generation submarines of the US Navy, including the Ohio and Virginia class submarines, which form the backbone of the US submarine fleet.
The Boreas have a smaller displacement than the famous Russian Typhoon-class submarines, but both can carry the same number of missiles. The newest Borei-A class submarines can carry twenty missiles, while the first generation of these submarines could carry only sixteen missiles. In addition, these boats are equipped with anti-ship missiles with a range of almost 50 kilometers. This is a key feature for self-defense in a disputed region.
The OK-650 nuclear reactor, as well as a steam turbine, provide them with powerful energy. In fact, the Boreas are the first submarines in Russia to be equipped with a pumping-jet propulsion system. With such capabilities, Russian Boreas have significant strategic advantages over their American rivals. They significantly strengthen Russia’s strategic submarine forces.
On February 3, 2024, the newest Borey project submarine, named Prince Pozharsky, was rolled out at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. This is the eighth submarine of the Borey project and the fifth upgraded Borey-A class nuclear submarine.
A total of 12 Borey submarines will be built, and seven of them are currently being tested. When all such submarines are commissioned after 2031, they will form the basis of the Russian Navy’s nuclear deterrent force and replace the Delta III submarines in the Pacific Fleet and Delta IV submarines in the Northern Fleet.
The Borey is a real gem among submarines. If Russia creates more of these giants, its submarine fleet, which is already a serious competitor to the West, will become even more deadly.
https://news.mail.ru/politics/63610542/
