In a new demonstration of its strategic capabilities, the Russian Navy carried out the first launch of a Kalibr cruise missile from its newest nuclear-powered submarine, the K-564 Arkhangelsk. The test took place in the waters of the Barents Sea as part of a routine training exercise conducted by the Northern Fleet. The coastal target, located at the Chizha test range more than 600 kilometers away, was successfully struck, thereby validating the operational performance of the most modern submarine of the Yasen-M class, which was inducted into the fleet at the end of 2024.
According to the statement released by the Northern Fleet, the missile was launched from a submerged position as part of a training sequence for the Arkhangelsk‘s crew. The launch was continuously monitored by target control systems, which confirmed that all technical and flight parameters were met. According to the Navy report, the missile successfully hit the designated target located at the military range in the Arkhangelsk region.
Vice Admiral Konstantin Kabantsov, commander of the Northern Fleet, praised the crew’s performance, stating that the exercise “demonstrated a high level of professionalism and seamanship,” while also emphasizing the importance of validating the readiness of the Navy’s new-generation submarines under real conditions.
The Arkhangelsk Submarine
The Arkhangelsk is a nuclear-powered attack submarine belonging to Project 885M (Yasen-M), an improved version of the original Yasen class. It was launched in November 2023 by the Sevmash shipyard and, after several years of trials and adjustments, was formally inducted into the Russian Navy in December 2024. Designed by the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau, the Yasen-M submarines represent one of the Navy’s most ambitious modernization programs. These vessels combine stealth, global deployment capabilities, and a versatile arsenal including Kalibr and Oniks missiles, as well as potentially the new Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic missile. It is the second of its kind to be incorporated into the Northern Fleet.
The Yasen/Yasen-M class is currently the most modern series of nuclear-powered attack submarines in service with the Russian Navy. Designed by the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau, they are intended to replace the Soviet-era Oscar- and Akula-class cruise missile and attack submarines. Their construction was initially hindered by the economic difficulties Russia faced in the early 1990s following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. As a result, by the time the first unit, the Severodvinsk (Project 885), was completed, an improved variant was developed—now known as Project 885M or Yasen-M—which makes up the majority of current and future units.
Currently, excluding the Severodvinsk and with the addition of K-564 Arkhangelsk, the Russian Navy operates four new Yasen-M submarines within the Pacific Fleet (K-573 Novosibirsk and K-571 Krasnoyarsk) and the Northern Fleet (K-561 Kazan and Arkhangelsk). As part of its future plans, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed at the end of 2023 the construction of three additional Project 885M submarines, aiming for a total fleet of 12 Yasen-class submarines operating across the Northern and Pacific Fleets. Further upgrades to the class are also planned, including the integration of Zircon hypersonic missile launch capabilities, thus enhancing their strike capabilities currently provided by the combination of Kalibr and Oniks anti-ship missiles, along with 533 mm torpedoes.
The Arkhangelsk thus becomes the most modern unit of its class in active service, equipped with advanced propulsion technologies, upgraded electronic warfare systems, and significant offensive capabilities. Its induction aligns with the sustained strengthening of the Northern Fleet, a key strategic arm for Russia’s operations in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
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