The diesel-engined Kronshtadt is designed for destruction of enemy ships and infrastructure, and is likely to serve in the Northern Fleet.

The flag was raised on the submarine in a ceremony at the Admiralty Yard in St.Petersburg on the 31st of January. On site was Navy Head Commander Nikolai Yevmenov, Northern Fleet Commander Aleksandr Moiseev, Deputy Minister of Industry Viktor Yevtukhov and other distinguished representatives, the Russian Navy informs.It has taken the yard almost 20 years to complete the vessel. Construction started in 2005, but was halted in 2009 and then resumed in 2013.The result is a vessel that is ultra-silent and considered the most modern none-nuclear submarine in the Russian Navy. The B-586 KRONSTADT is a Project 677 Lada class vessel, the second sub of its kind in the Russian Navy.

In a newspaper interview, representative of design bureau Rubin Igor Vilnit says that the Kronshtadt is unique because of its silence and ability to hide from enemy ships. “Its stealthiness by several times exceeds its predecessors,” Vilnit tells Rossiiskaya Gazeta. He especially highlights the hydro-acoustic capability.“In duelling situations, it is important to first discover the enemy and if necessary successfully confront him. The Project 677 submarine has a powerful hydro-acoustic complex, missiles, torpedoes and radio-electronic armament,” the representative of Rubin underlines.“I would like to highlight the Lada’s hydro-acoustics: it is not only a more wide range of acoustic waves, it is a significantly bigger distance of discovering of targets. Lots of efforts have been made to reach this result,” he adds.

The new sub is reported to include a wide range of new equipment and technology, including new design and engine solution. The 66,7 meter long B-586 Kronshtadt will have the ability to operate on depths down to 300 meters. It has a crew of 35 and is armed with several kinds of weapons, including Kalibr missiles.

The KRONSTADT is believed to be based in the Northern Fleet. Although information published by state news agency RIA Novosti indicates that the Navy might have decided to instead base it in the Pacific Fleet.The Admiralty Yard is working with another three Project 677 subs. The first vessel of the class, the B-585 St.Petersburg, was commissioned in 2010, but is reportedly marred by technical problems and might ultimately be scrapped. Source :

Source: The Barents Observer