In an unprecedented development for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, they confirmed that during the early hours of today, September 24, a Borei-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine of the Russian Navy was detected and monitored while sailing near the Japanese archipelago. According to Japan’s Joint Staff Office, the presence of the submarine was accompanied by the transit of two other Russian vessels moving westward through the Soya Strait.
In detail, in this new episode, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) reported that three Russian Navy vessels were detected sailing in international waters about 40 kilometers west of the Soya Strait toward the Sea of Japan. The information released by the authorities—accompanied by photographic material—confirmed the presence of a nuclear submarine accompanied by a Slava-class guided-missile cruiser (Project 1164 Atlant), identified as Varyag (011), and a Baklazan-class submarine rescue and salvage tug.
Although the three vessels were transiting innocently, in response to their presence in waters near Japan, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces deployed assets for monitoring and surveillance of the Russian ships. For this, the deployment of JS Wakatake, a Hayabusa-class guided-missile patrol boat of the 1st Guided-Missile Boat Squadron, and a P-3C Orion patrol aircraft based at Hachinohe and belonging to the JMSDF 2nd Air Group, was confirmed.
The navigation of Russian nuclear submarines has drawn the region’s attention in recent days, particularly that of Japanese authorities, as this is the first time such units have been detected near the Japanese archipelagos. While no further details have been provided on the name or hull number of the submarine involved, it is worth noting that a few weeks ago the Russian Navy reported the completion of the deployment of K-554 Imperator Aleksandr III, one of its most modern Borei-A nuclear ballistic missile submarines, after a three-month patrol in the Pacific.
Specifically, the unit participated in what the Russian Navy defined as “combat missions,” which aimed to ensure crew training levels and send a message regarding Russia’s deterrence capabilities in the region, taking into account the intercontinental ballistic missile launch capability of this type of submarine.
On the Borei-A class submarines
The Borei and Borei-A class (designated Project 955 and 955A) constitute the most advanced and modern class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines in service with the Russian Navy. Equipped with up to 16 RSM-56 Bulava ballistic missiles and a displacement of 14,720 tons surfaced, they are intended to replace the older Delta III, IV, and Typhoon submarines built during the Soviet era.
To date, the Russian Navy has commissioned eight submarines of the Borei family, including both the original Project 955 units and the 955A class. The most recent to be commissioned was Knyaz Pozharsky (Prince Pozharsky), the fifth submarine of the Borei-A variant and eighth overall of the class. With its entry into service, the fleet now consists of three original Project 955 submarines (K-535 Yury Dolgorukiy, K-550 Alexander Nevsky, and K-551 Vladimir Monomakh) and five Project 955A units (Knyaz Vladimir, Knyaz Oleg, Generalissimus Suvorov, Imperator Aleksandr III, and Knyaz Pozharsky).
*Cover photo used for illustrative purposes
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