Modernized nuclear sub to be delivered in January

The modernized Russian strategic nuclear Delta-IV class submarine K-18 “Kareliya” will be delivered to the Northern Fleet January 22.

The submarine will leave Zvezdochka shipyard and head to its base on January 12-14, news agency Interfax reports.

The submarine has been at the Zvezdochka shipyard since October 2004. The modernization has prolonged the submarine’s lifetime with approximately ten years and improved its tactical and technical performance considerably.

According to Wikipedia, “Kareliya” is one of seven Delta-IV class nuclear submarines built from 1985 to 1992. All are still in service in the Russian navy today. Five submarines have already gone through modernization at the Zvezdochka shipyard.

After the modernization the submarine’s main weapon system is the Sineva ballistic missile. According to Wikipedia, it can carry ten 100kT warheads. In a test launch on 11 October 2008, an R-29RMU travelled 11,547 kilometers downrange.

Powered by Labrador CMS