MOSCOW, November 14 (Sputnik) – Russia's new Varshavyanka-class Rostov-on-Don submarine will be handed over to the Russian Navy by the end of the year, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said Friday.
"The newest diesel-electric submarine Rostov-on-Don will complete trials and be in service by the end of 2014," said Igor Dygalo, an official representative of the Defense Ministry press and information service.
It is the second Project 636.3 Varshavyanka submarine (NATO reporting name Improved Kilo-class) out of six planned for the Black Sea Fleet by the end of 2016. The first of the submarines – Novorossiysk – entered service in September.
Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric subs feature advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and the ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets. They have been dubbed "black holes in the ocean" by the US Navy because they are virtually undetectable when submerged. The submarines are primarily intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow waters.
The Russian Black Sea Fleet has had no new submarines for decades and currently operates only one boat – the Kilo-class Alrosa, which joined the Navy in 1990.
