Russia has launched a new nuclear submarine, the Khabarovsk, at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk in a ceremony attended by senior defence officials.
The Ministry of Defence describes the vessel as a specialised platform capable of carrying and deploying long-range unmanned maritime vehicles, effectively operating as a carrier for unmanned offensive systems and potentially complicating US and NATO defensive planning. Moscow has not disclosed technical details about the fitted systems or the submarine’s full specifications, but unconfirmed reports suggest it may be able to carry up to six unmanned vehicles.
Construction of the Khabarovsk reportedly began in 2014, and a second hull is already under construction. The submarine will undergo an extended programme of sea trials before being accepted into service, a process that could take more than a year.
