Nine Years in the Making: Russia Launches Its New Yasen-M Nuclear Attack Submarine
The submarine fleet remains one of the few areas where Russia continues to invest heavily in large-scale military programs. Despite sanctions, industrial challenges, and the enormous costs associated with the war, construction of nuclear-powered submarines has continued.
The latest milestone is the launch of Ulyanovsk, a new Project 885M Yasen-M nuclear-powered attack submarine. After nearly nine years under construction, the vessel has finally left the assembly hall and is entering the next phase of sea trials before joining the Russian Navy.
The Latest Addition to Russia’s Most Advanced Submarine Class
Ulyanovsk is the seventh submarine of the Yasen family and one of the improved Project 885M (Yasen-M) boats.
Construction began in 2017 at the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk. After almost a decade of work, the submarine has now been launched, marking the transition to outfitting, dockside testing, and eventually sea trials.
If testing proceeds as planned, Ulyanovsk is expected to enter operational service within the next few years.
Although nine years may seem like an exceptionally long construction period, such timelines have become increasingly common for modern nuclear submarines due to their technological complexity, sophisticated onboard systems, and limited shipbuilding capacity.
What Makes the Yasen-M Different?
Project 885M Yasen-M is a significantly upgraded version of the original Project 885 Yasen design.
Compared with the lead boat, the newer submarines feature:
- an improved sonar suite;
- upgraded combat management systems;
- modernized electronics;
- enhanced automation;
- reduced acoustic signature;
- refinements to the nuclear propulsion system.
These improvements have made the Yasen-M one of the most capable multi-role nuclear-powered attack submarines currently operated by Russia.
Its primary missions include hunting enemy submarines, engaging carrier strike groups, and conducting long-range missile strikes against land targets.
Essentially, a single Yasen-M combines the capabilities that previously required several different classes of submarines.
Up to 40 Kalibr or 32 Zircon Missiles
The submarine’s defining feature is its powerful missile armament.
Located amidships are vertical launch systems capable of firing several different types of missiles.
Depending on the mission, a Yasen-M can reportedly carry:
- up to 40 Kalibr land-attack cruise missiles;
- up to 32 P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship missiles;
- or up to 32 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missiles.
In addition, the submarine is equipped with ten 533 mm torpedo tubes, capable of launching heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine missiles, and naval mines.
This combination of cruise missiles and heavyweight torpedoes gives the submarine exceptional flexibility, allowing it to engage surface fleets, submarines, and strategic land targets alike.
The First Yasen-M Designed for Zircon
Another submarine in the class has attracted particular attention—Perm.
Unlike earlier boats that were later adapted to carry Zircon missiles, Perm is expected to become the first Yasen-M designed from the outset to operate the 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile system.
Russian officials hope to commission the submarine before the end of 2026.
If those plans are realized, Perm will represent the first Russian attack submarine specifically optimized for hypersonic strike operations from the very beginning of its construction.
Project 885M Yasen-M Specifications
| Class | Project 885M Yasen-M |
| Type | Nuclear-powered attack submarine |
| Length | 130 m (427 ft) |
| Beam | 13 m (43 ft) |
| Submerged displacement | Approximately 13,800 tons |
| Propulsion | 1 × nuclear reactor |
| Maximum submerged speed | Up to 31 knots |
| Operating depth | Estimated over 500 m |
| Crew | Approximately 64 personnel |
| Torpedo tubes | 10 × 533 mm |
| Vertical launch system | 8–10 launch modules (depending on configuration) |
| Missile capacity | Up to 40 Kalibr, 32 Oniks, or 32 Zircon missiles |
Why the Yasen-M Is Considered One of Russia’s Most Dangerous Submarines
Even by international standards, the Project 885M remains a formidable underwater combat platform.
Its high level of automation allows it to operate with a relatively small crew compared to earlier Soviet submarines of similar size. Combined with advanced sonar systems, improved stealth characteristics, and a powerful mix of missile and torpedo armament, the Yasen-M is designed to perform nearly every major mission assigned to a modern attack submarine—from anti-submarine warfare to long-range precision strikes against strategic infrastructure.
At the same time, construction of the class has progressed much more slowly than originally envisioned. Each submarine requires nearly a decade to complete, limiting the pace at which Russia can modernize its attack submarine fleet.
Nevertheless, the launch of Ulyanovsk demonstrates that the Yasen-M program remains one of the Russian Navy’s highest priorities. Despite lengthy construction times and enormous costs, these submarines are expected to gradually replace aging Soviet-era attack submarines and form the backbone of Russia’s underwater strike force for decades to come.
