Highlighting the extensive modernization efforts currently underway, the Russian Navy received a total of 19 new surface vessels and three submarines during 2025, all built at shipyards operated by the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC). The information was disclosed by Viktor Yevtukhov, who currently serves as Head of the Presidential Directorate for State Defense Industry Policy. He emphasized that this achievement coincided with Russia’s progress in replacing foreign-made components with domestically produced alternatives in nearly all cases.
Quoting some of his remarks, delivered during the commissioning ceremony of the third new Lada-class submarine, Yevtukhov stated: “In 2025, our shipyards delivered 19 surface ships and various craft, as well as three submarines, including the modern nuclear-powered strategic ballistic missile submarine Knyaz Pozharsky, unparalleled in the world, and two new non-nuclear submarines built at the Admiralty Shipyards: Yakutsk and Velikiye Luki. I would like to reiterate that we have the most modern navy. This fact has been confirmed by both Russian and international experts.”
Focusing on submarine capabilities and following the order outlined by Yevtukhov, it is worth recalling that the Russian Navy received the Knyaz Pozharsky, a Borei-A–class (Project 955A) submarine, in July at the Sevmash shipyard. The ceremony was attended by President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by senior political and naval officials, including Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy.
With the induction of this unit, Russia has now assembled a fleet of eight Borei-class submarines, comprising three units of the original design and five of the improved Borei-A variant. This is a significant development, considering that these submarines are capable of deploying up to 16 R-30 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with MIRV warheads as their primary armament, in addition to torpedoes, electronic countermeasures, and a range of features enhancing their stealth.
In parallel, the Russian Navy added the submarine Yakutsk, belonging to the Improved Kilo class (Project 636.3), in June, reinforcing the capabilities of the Pacific Fleet. The vessel was delivered at the Admiralty Shipyards JSC in Saint Petersburg, once again in the presence of President Putin and a delegation of senior officials.
In this case, the submarine’s main strength lies in its ability to launch Kalibr-PL anti-ship cruise missiles, in addition to modern 533 mm heavyweight torpedoes. Compared to the original Kilo design, the improved variant incorporates significant enhancements in stealth and range, the latter estimated at around 7,000 nautical miles when operating with a snorkel. Another notable aspect of Yakutsk’s construction was the speed of its sea trials, which lasted less than one year from launch to commissioning, underscoring the rapid pace of the process.
The third submarine delivered was Velikiye Luki, a Lada-class unit that joined the Russian Navy earlier this week and was assigned to the Baltic Fleet. As previously reported, the submarine was commissioned during a ceremony at the Admiralty Shipyards, following the completion of an extensive series of trials in the Gulf of Finland, three years after its launch.
Among its key strengths, the design features the capability to deploy Alfa and Oniks cruise missiles, in addition to torpedoes and naval mines, providing a broad range of armament options. According to Admiral Moiseyev: “The Lada-class submarine combines cutting-edge technologies and complex technical solutions. Despite its relatively small displacement, the vessel is an important asset for naval warfare and possesses extensive combat capabilities, both offensive and defensive, thanks to all the solutions incorporated into its design.”
Finally, it should be noted that although USC has succeeded in delivering a significant number of ships and submarines to the Russian Navy as part of its modernization efforts, a substantial path still lies ahead to complete the process. As President Putin has stated on previous occasions, Russia is currently focused on the construction of up to 70 vessels, which—if delivered on schedule—would further consolidate the Navy’s status as one of the most powerful in the world. Within this broader program, the construction of six additional nuclear-powered submarines remains pending, while the Lada class is expected to be expanded by three more units in the future.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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