Russia: Sevmash Shipyard to Continue Construction of SSN Belgorod

JSC Sevmash shipyard (Severodvinsk) will continue construction of Project 949AM Antei nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) Belgorod, reports RIA Novosti referring to Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief ADM Vladimir Vysotsky.

According to Vysotsky, the Kursk-class submarine will be used for special tasks. The admiral declined to specify what exactly tasks are in question. Russian Navy operates several “special purpose” submarines, although information about them is classified, reports RIA Novosti.

Construction of SSN Belgorod started in 1992 and was shut down in 1994. After wreck of same-class submarine SSN Kursk, the construction was resumed. However, on June 26, 2009 Vladimir Vysotsky announced freezing of SSN Belgorod shipbuilding program.

In total, eleven Project 949AM Antei submarines have been built in Russia since 1986 till 1996; part of them are in service at Northern and Pacific fleets. Displacement of Kursk-class submarines is 23,860 tons, test depth is 500 meters, max speed is 33 knots, crew is 130 men, endurance is 120 days.

Cruise missiles Granit are used as basic armament of Project 949AM Antei submarines. In accordance with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, these subs are not equipped with nuclear weapons.

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Naval Today Staff , February 13, 2012; Image: sevmash