Russia’s Project 955A Borei-A class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine carries 15 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles — each armed with up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) nuclear warheads. The 560-foot submarine displaces 24,000 tons submerged, runs on an OK-650 nuclear reactor and a pump-jet propulsion system, and reaches 30 knots submerged with minimal noise. The first Borei-A, Knyaz Vladimir, entered active duty on June 12, 2020 and is assigned to Russia’s Pacific fleet. Russia operates 15 to 17 SSBNs in total — the sea-based leg of its strategic nuclear deterrent. The boats also have a sauna, a coffee machine, and a lounge area.
Russia’s Borei-Class Has Everything You Can Think of… to Start World War III
Russia’s Borei-Class Submarine. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Vladimir Putin is no stranger to threatening nuclear warfare against the West. He likes to rattle those nuclear sabers and is always ready for a doomsday quote about the possibility of nuclear war. Now he has a class of submarines that can bring death and destruction in a nuclear conflict like no other. The new nuclear-powered Borei-A class submarine is one to behold. This is an SSBN “boomer” ballistic missile submarine with nuclear warheads on board.
Improving on the Original Borei-class
Also known as Project 955A, the Russian boomer is based on the standard Borei-class of SSBNs. The Borei-A class has better stealth than the baseline model. The new class is more agile and maneuverable. The Borei A’s can also run deeper than the original Borei-class. There is also an improved fire control system for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
These Submarines Come Armed With a Large Number of ICBMs
Borei-A class boats can fire 15 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles. The vertical launch cells are arranged in two rows, with four to five compartments per row. The Bulava has up to 10 independently targetable (MIRV) nuclear warheads. The Borei-A also sports eight 533mm torpedoes.
An artist rendering of the future U.S. Navy Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. The 12 submarines of the Columbia-class will replace the Ohio-class submarines which are reaching their maximum extended service life. It is planned that the construction of USS Columbia (SSBN-826) will begin in in fiscal year 2021, with delivery in fiscal year 2028, and being on patrol in 2031.
Difficult to Detect
One significant feature of Project 955A boats is their ability to evade anti-submarine ships and aircraft. The sonar-avoiding nature of Borei-A class boats is achieved through hydroacoustic countermeasures known as MG-104 Brosok or MG-114 Beryl.
The Russian Navy Is Smiling
Navigation systems are top-notch. Communications are improved. The sonar is much better than that of the original Borei-class boats, and they have top-of-the-line weapon control systems for firing missiles and torpedoes. These are fourth-generation submarines.
The first Borei-A-class, Knyaz Vladimir, was placed on active duty on June 12, 2020. Generalissimus Suvorov is the second boat in the class. Knyaz Vladimir is assigned to Russia’s Pacific fleet.
State of the Fleet
The Project 955A subs are manufactured by the Rubin Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering in St. Petersburg. These are mostly produced with indigenously built components with highly technical manufacturing practices. Generalissimus Suvorov has completed all its testing and evaluation trials in the White Sea. The Suvorov has also tested the Bulava missile with a dummy warhead.
Russia has around 63-65 submarines, including 15-17 SSBNs. These form the Russian strategic nuclear deterrence and sea-based leg of the triad.
“Units of Project 955A include improved communication and detection systems, improved acoustic signature, and have major structural changes such as the addition of all moving rudders and vertical endplates to the hydroplanes for higher maneuverability, and a different sail geometry. Besides, they are equipped with hydraulic jets and improved screws that allow them to sail at nearly 30 knots while submerged with minimal noise,” according to the Department of Defense.
The Propulsion System is Modernized
The Borei-A class utilizes an OK-650 nuclear reactor powering a modern pump-jet propulsion system. This achieves the admirable speed of 30 knots, as noted above. Most Russian submarines do not have pump-jet propulsion.
Typhoon-Class Submarine. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Making the Crew Happy
The submarines are 560 feet long and displace 24,000 tons while submerged. There are 107 sailors onboard. The Borei A-class boats are designed to improve the quality of life. There is a sauna for three to four sailors, and music is available via headphones sailors can wear when off-duty. The Borei-A even has a “lounge area” with a large television and coffee machine, the War Zone reported.
These are all great features, and the Borei-A class could be some of the best submarines on earth, but what is the Russian intent to use them for? Countries that can build SSBNs are some of the most powerful on earth.
What Are Some Use Cases for the Borei-A?
We know that Putin is fond of his SSBNs and is not shy about deploying them worldwide. Will these Borei-As be patrolling near the United States? Currently, they are assigned to the Pacific and Northern Fleets. The Borei-A could conceivably sail to Pearl Harbor and menace that American base. They could also reach the shores of the western United States.
For the Northern fleet, the Borei-As can patrol the Arctic. This is where Russia has a decided advantage with the newer submarines. Russia has strategic designs on the Arctic region. The country wishes to counter American, Canadian, and NATO influence. This is a good area to inhibit for a second strike against the United States. The Bulava missiles would be difficult to track, depriving the Americans of early warning of launch.
Russia believes the Arctic is rich in oil, natural gas, and minerals that it could exploit in the future, so the country is in a race to become a leader in a muscular resource grab in the region.
Super Weapons That Bring Much to the Table
The Borei A-class submarines are formidable. They are stealthier and more powerful than the baseline Boreis. The sailors should have high morale, given the features that make life on submarines easier. When a Russian shipmate is off-duty, there are things to do for recreation. This enables more comfort and relaxation on long voyages.
The Borei A-class will be an important part of Russian nuclear and economic strategy. Putin will surely be proud of this group of submarines and is certain to laud them as “super weapons.” The Russian navy is improving its high-level nuclear deterrent, and it will continue to improve the Borei A-class until they are among the best submarines in the world.
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About the Author: Brent M. Eastwood, PhD
Author of now over 3,500 articles on defense issues, Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: A Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare, plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
