The Russian Navy has received a new Delta IV ballistic missile submarine ‘Podmoskovye’ after the boat spent 18 years undergoing refit and modernization at the Zvezdochka shipyard.
The Project 667BDRM Delfin-class (NATO classification: Delta IV) submarine had its missile compartment removed and is now capable of deploying “mini-submarines” with the aim of counteracting U.S. and NATO intelligence efforts.
Repair and modernization work on the submarine was completed in October 2016 and the spy submarine spent the following two months undergoing sea trials.
Russia began the development of Delta IV submarines began in 1975. They were designed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering.
The first Delfin submarine was launched in January 1985 and introduced into the Northern fleet in December 1985.
The video below, shared on YouTube by the shipbuilder, shows the Podmoskovye as it leaves the shipyard for sea trials.