Russian Delta-class SSBN ‘Tula’ leaves hangar during refit

Authorities

Russian Navy’s Delta-class ballistic missile submarine ‘Tula’ left the hangar of the Zvezdochka shipyard on February 26, marking an important milestone in the refit process.

According to the shipyard, the boat will now undergo systems calibration and equipment checks before it enters water for delivery to the Russian Navy in the fourth quarter of 2017.

‘Tula’ was built by the shipbuilding company Sevmash and entered service in 1987. She is the fourth submarine in the Project 667BDRM class (referred to as Delfin-class in Russian) .

During a modernization refit in 2004, Tula was upgraded with the capability to carry the R-29RMU Sineva liquid-fueled submarine-launched ballistic missile.

According to the shipyard’s press center, the fourth Delta submarine ‘Bryansk’ is next in line for the overhaul.