Key Points and Summary on Amur-Class – The Amur-class is Russia’s export-oriented “fifth-generation” diesel-electric submarine, a heavily modernized version of the Lada-class, but it has so far failed to secure any buyers and none have been built.
-Designed in two main variants—the smaller Amur-950 featuring ten vertical launch system (VLS) cells for cruise missiles, and the larger Amur-1650—the class boasts advanced stealth features, a quieter single-hull design, and an optional air-independent propulsion (AIP) system.
-Despite being marketed to countries like India and Argentina as a state-of-the-art Kilo-class replacement, the Amur remains a “ghost submarine,” existing only on paper.
Meet the Amur-Class:
The Amur-class submarine is one of the latest Russian submarine designs currently in development. It is a heavily modernized version of the Kilo-class and is advertised as an export version of the Lada-class.
As one of the newest diesel attack submarines developed by Russia, the Amur-class incorporates the latest in stealth technology, can stay submerged for longer periods of time, and can be tuned and changes according to the buyer’s needs.
Design and Development of the Amur-Class
The development of the Amur-class began as part of Russia’s broader effort to modernize its naval forces and to offer a state-of-the-art submarine to foreign clients.
The Rubin Design Bureau, based in Saint Petersburg, led the design efforts under the guidance of chief designer Yuri Kormilitsyn. The name “Amur” is derived from the Amur River in eastern Russia, symbolizing strength and endurance, and reflecting the submarine’s intended role as a robust and versatile undersea platform.
There are two main variants of the Amur-class: the Amur-950 and the Amur-1650. The Amur-950 is the smaller of the two, with a surfaced displacement of approximately 1,065 tons and a length of about 56.8 meters. It is designed for shorter missions and features a crew of 19. One of its most notable features is the inclusion of ten vertical launch system (VLS) cells, which allow it to launch cruise missiles at multiple targets simultaneously. This capability makes the Amur-950 particularly well-suited for littoral combat and precision strike missions.
The Amur-1650, on the other hand, is a larger and more strategic variant. It has a surfaced displacement of around 1,765 tons and a length of 66.8 meters. With a crew of 35, it is designed for longer missions and has greater endurance and payload capacity. Unlike the Amur-950, it does not feature VLS cells but is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes, mines, and potentially cruise missiles. The Amur-1650 is intended for navies that require blue-water operational capabilities and extended deployment durations.
What the Amur-Class Brings to the Table
One of the most significant advancements in the Amur-class is its emphasis on acoustic stealth. The submarines are designed to be significantly quieter than their predecessors, particularly the Kilo-class. This is achieved through a combination of design features, including a single-hull structure with minimal displacement, anechoic coatings that absorb sonar waves, and advanced propeller and pump-jet designs that reduce cavitation noise. These features make the Amur-class one of the quietest conventional submarines in the world, enhancing its survivability and effectiveness in contested environments.
Another key innovation is the optional integration of air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems. AIP allows the submarine to remain submerged for extended periods without the need to surface or snorkel, thereby increasing its stealth and operational range. The AIP system can be installed during construction or retrofitted later through a hull extension plug. This flexibility allows potential buyers to tailor the submarine to their specific operational requirements and budget constraints.
The Amur-class also features a new main electric engine that uses permanent magnets. This engine is under development and is expected to offer high energy efficiency, low noise levels, and improved performance at low cruising speeds. These characteristics further enhance the submarine’s stealth and make it more suitable for covert operations.
Weapons and Armament
In terms of combat systems, the Amur-class is equipped with modern integrated sonar suites for both passive and active detection, electronic warfare systems, and advanced fire control systems. These systems enable the submarine to effectively manage a wide range of weapons, including torpedoes, mines, and cruise missiles.
The Amur-950’s VLS capability allows it to launch missiles such as the BrahMos, developed in cooperation with India, making it a formidable platform for land-attack and anti-ship missions.
The Amur-class is designed for global deployment. It can operate in both shallow and deep waters, in all weather conditions, and in all regions except those with solid ice cover. Its endurance, stealth, and firepower make it suitable for a variety of missions, including coastal defense, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence gathering, and support for special operations.
In addition to the existing variants, Russia has also unveiled a conceptual design known as the Amur e600. This design was presented at the Army-2022 forum and features several radical innovations, including all-electric propulsion, the absence of a sail (conning tower), and the use of lithium-based batteries. The Amur e600 is designed to have a submerged endurance of up to 17 days, reflecting Russia’s interest in next-generation undersea warfare. However, this concept remains in the early stages of development, with no confirmed plans for construction.
Nobody Wants it for Now
Despite its promising design and capabilities, no Amur-class submarines have been built or commissioned as of 2025.
However, several countries have expressed interest in the class. India considered the Amur-1650 for its Project 75I submarine program but ultimately selected the French Scorpène-class.
Nevertheless, Russia continues to offer the Amur-class for future procurement. Argentina engaged in discussions with Russia in 2021 for the licensed production of the Amur-1650 as part of a broader defense cooperation agreement. Morocco was also approached by Russia in 2013 with an offer to purchase Amur-class submarines.
While these discussions indicate international interest, the lack of actual construction has raised concerns about the project’s viability.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
More Submarines
The U.S. Navy’s Attack Submarine Crisis
Pingback: The Real Loser in the Iran-Israel War: Russia - National Security Journal