ST. PETERSBURG, August 28 (RIA Novosti) – Russia will begin constructing a new generation of nonatomic submarines equipped with “anaerobic systems,” Navy Commander Adm. Viktor Chirkov said Thursday.
“Of course, the construction of diesel-electric submarines will continue. Today, we are talking about non-atomic submarines. Starting from 2017, [the construction of] a new series [of submarines] with an anaerobic system will begin and the Admiralteisky Wharf will take on the construction,” Chirkov said.
The main advantage of the air-independent energy system is an increase in the ship’s speed and the ability for it to remain submerged when recharging its batteries as opposed to surfacing to recharge them.
Meanwhile, the construction of diesel-electric submarines in Russia is in progress. The third in the series of six Varshavyanka-class submarines, built for the Crimea-based Black Sea Fleet, is expected to be launched Thursday in St. Petersburg.
The construction of all six submarines is to be completed by 2016. They are almost undetectable when submerged and feature advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and the ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets. The submarines are mainly intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow waters.
