Key Points – Russia’s Delta IV-class (Project 667BDRM Delfin) nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), introduced in the 1980s, remain the backbone of its sea-based nuclear deterrent.
-These submarines are designed to hit the U.S. or NATO with nuclear missiles if called upon
-Six of these “boomers” are still in service with the Northern Fleet, armed with R-29 Vysota family SLBMs, allowing for deterrence patrols from the Arctic Ocean.
-Featuring a classic Russian double-hulled design and advanced (for their era) navigation and sonar systems, the Delta IVs continue service due to the slow production of their Borei-class replacements.
-The 2011 fire aboard the Yekaterinburg in dry dock highlighted the risks associated with these aging but still formidable platforms.
Russia’s Delta IV Submarine, Heavily Armed And Dangerous
The Russian submarine, known as the Project 667B Murena (NATO reporting name Delta), was designed to carry the R-29 Vysota family of nuclear ballistic missiles.
Built concurrently with the Typhoon-class submarines, the Delta-class submarines have formed the backbone of the Soviet and Russian strategic submarine fleet since their introduction in 1973.
Six of the seven Delta IV-class submarines built are still in service in the Russian Navy. The submarines, based at the Sayda Guba Naval Base, operate in the Northern Fleet.
The Severodvinsk Shipyard built these vessels between 1981 and 1992. The last vessel was K-407 Novomoskovsk. The design of the Delta IV class resembles that of the Delta III class, featuring a classic Russian double-hulled configuration with missile silos housed within the inner hull.
Six are missile subs (Boomers), while one, the Delta IV Stretch class/PODMOSKOVYE special missions submarine, had its missiles removed and houses a midget submarine.
Meet The Delta IV (Delfin) Submarine
The R-29 Vysota missiles, along with the R-29/SS-N-8 Sawfly, the R-29R/SS-N-18 Stingray, and the R-29RM/SS-N-23, provided the boats with much-needed standoff distance, offering a range of 4,785 miles, and allowed the Soviet, now the Russian Navy, to perform deterrence patrols from within the Arctic Ocean.
Russia upgraded the submarines as the Project 667BD Murena-M (NATO reporting name Delta II), the Project 667BDR Kalmar (NATO reporting name Delta III), and culminating in the Project 667BDRM Delfin (NATO reporting name Delta IV). The first three models are all no longer in service.
The submarines have an operational diving depth of 320 meters (1,050 ft), with a maximum depth of 400 meters (1,300 ft). The propulsion system allows speeds of 24 knots (44 km/h) submerged using two VM-4 pressure water reactors rated at 180 MW. It features two turbines of type GT3A-365 rated at 27.5 MW.
The Delta IV’s Shlyuz navigation system is also quite advanced. Each ship in this series is equipped with the Skat-VDRM hydroacoustic system, in addition to several anti-hydroacoustic devices.
Murmansk Dry Dock Disaster
The Delta IV missile submarine Yekaterinburg caught fire while in dry dock. It reportedly started when sparks from welding of the boat’s hull ignited wooden scaffolding around the submarine, which then spread to the flammable rubber coating that covers the hull.
As the fire raged nearly out of control, Russian officials were forced to partially submerge the boat to put the fire out. The Russian government initially reported that no missiles were on board the boat but later revealed this to be false.
Had the missiles exploded due to the fire, it would have been catastrophic to not only the port of Murmansk but also to much of the surrounding region.
The Yekaterinburg was later repaired and returned to service in 2014, but it was retired in late 2021.
Russia currently has no immediate plans to decommission any of its presently active Delta IV vessels. Still, the new Borei line of strategic submarines will eventually replace all of Russia’s remaining Delta and Typhoon models. However, for now, Moscow needs the firepower for its navy, as the Borei line of missile boats is slow to be produced.
The Borei-class submarines are considerably stealthier than their Soviet-era predecessors,” according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative.
Despite being smaller than the Typhoons, the Borei’s are considered the most advanced SSBNs Russia has ever built. They have new electronics and control systems, as well as a pump-jet propulsion system, which makes it significantly quieter than its predecessors.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
Russia’s Bomber Forces
