An integrated military and civilian shipbuilding program will soon be adopted in Russia, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday.
"Last week...I ordered a single program for the development of military and civilian shipbuilding to be drawn up. It will be approved soon," he said during the floating-out ceremony for a new nuclear-powered multipurpose attack submarine.
Medvedev said one of the program's priorities will be the development of a series of Severodvinsk-class submarines.
He added that most world powers were investing significant resources in offensive and defensive systems.
"We should do the same. Russia simply must carry out an effective modernization of its Navy. We should build the most advanced ships [in the world]," Medvedev said.
He stressed that Russia had developed a serious lag in shipbuilding in the 1990s and must deal with it as soon as possible.
"It is impossible to wait any longer. Despite economic development problems, despite the financial crisis. These programs must be carried out," he said, adding it was critical to make them more competitive.
The construction of the Severodvinsk, the first Project 885 Yasen (Graney) class submarine, began in 1993 at the Sevmash shipyard in the northern Russian city of Severodvinsk but has since been dogged by financial setbacks.
Russia planned to take it out of dry dock on May 7 this year to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in May 1945.
Last year, work started on the second sub in the series, the Kazan, which will feature more advanced equipment and weaponry.
Russian experts expect Graney-class submarines to boost the Navy's operational effectiveness and combat capabilities.
Graney-class nuclear submarines are designed to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles (up to 3,100 miles or 5,000 km), with conventional or nuclear warheads, and effectively engage submarines, surface warships and land-based targets.
The submarine's armament includes 24 cruise missiles, including the 3M51 Alfa SLCM, the SS-NX-26 Oniks SLCM or the SS-N-21 Granat/Sampson SLCM. It has eight torpedo launchers, as well as mines and anti-ship missiles such as SS-N-16 Stallion.
The Severodvinsk is expected to enter service with the Russian Navy by late 2010 - early 2011.
SEVERODVINSK, June 15 (RIA Novosti)
