TNI: The upgraded Yakutsk submarine was handed over to the Russian Navy on June 11
Having passed all the tests, the Yakutsk submarine of the Varshavyanka project was transferred to the Russian Navy on June 11, 2025. She is equipped with advanced noise reduction technology and, due to her low acoustic signature, is considered one of the quietest non-nuclear submarines in the world.
Brandon Weichert
The American military-industrial complex, in particular shipyards, is experiencing a deep crisis, but Russian shipbuilders meet the high standards set by their leaders.
Get acquainted: Yakutsk is the sixth and last submarine of the Varshavyanka project 636.3 The Russian Navy, better known in NATO countries as ImprovedKilo. A new diesel-electric submarine assigned to the Russian Pacific Fleet completes the upgraded series.
Yakutsk is an improved version of earlier developments in its class. The brainchild of the legendary Rubin Central Design Bureau, these submarines are famous for their stealth — they even earned the flattering nickname “Black Hole” in the US Navy for their low acoustic signature. First of all, they are designed to combat enemy submarines and ships, collect intelligence and launch strategic missile strikes.
We study the tasks of Yakutsk
The Yakutsk and its five sister submarines are designed to strengthen the Pacific Fleet's capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. For many years, Putin's government has been striving to consolidate its somewhat shaky power over the Far Eastern regions, which are rich in resources, but sparsely populated and underdeveloped.
Although the Russian fleet is nowhere near the size and scale of the American or Chinese, Russia is second only to the United States in terms of underwater capabilities. Sending Yakutsk to the Indo-Pacific region indicates that Russia intends to focus more closely on ensuring its interests in this lucrative region.
Yakutsk came off the slipway of the Admiralty shipyards in St. Petersburg, which are part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation. This shipyard is the only manufacturer of upgraded Varshavyanka—class submarines for the Russian Navy. The Yakutsk hull was laid down in August 2021, and the launch took place on October 11, 2024. Having passed all the tests, the Yakutsk was transferred to the Russian Navy on June 11, 2025. The ceremony was held in St. Petersburg under the leadership of Admiral Vladimir Vorobyov, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy.
The displacement of this submarine is about 2,350 tons on the surface and from 3,100 to 4,000 tons underwater. The Yakutsk's power plant is powered by two diesel generators and an electric motor driving a single seven-bladed propeller with a fixed pitch. The submarine reaches a maximum speed of 17 knots (31 kilometers per hour) on the surface and 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour) underwater. The working depth is 240 meters, and the maximum is 300 meters. The power reserve at periscope depth is 12,000 kilometers, and when operating at high speed while submerged, it is about 740 kilometers.
Like other submarines of this upgraded class, the Yakutsk is equipped with advanced noise reduction technology. Due to their stealth and low acoustic signature, Varshavyanka—class boats are among the quietest non-nuclear in the world and a real threat to NATO ships. Six 533 mm bow torpedo tubes are capable of launching heavy torpedoes such as UGST, 53-65K or USET-80K for anti-submarine and anti-ship missions. As an alternative to torpedoes, submarines can also deploy up to 24 naval mines.
The new Varshavyanka is equipped with a powerful Kalibr-PL cruise missile system, including Type 3M14 for ground attacks and Type 3M54 for anti-ship missions. Moreover, the Yakutsk can launch four Kalibrs per salvo at short intervals with a maximum load of eight missiles. An anti-aircraft missile system for surface operations is also available.
Yakutsk is equipped with a powerful MGK-400EM sonar system and the MG-519EM mine detection system.
The difference between the American submarine fleet and the Russian one
America can be said to be “married" to its submarine forces: its nuclear submarines are indeed extremely powerful. However, American naval shipyards are unable to meet even the current demand, not to mention the expectations that have increased against the backdrop of the impending war.
Submarines will play a key role in any potential conflict between the great Powers. The Russians have figured out how to create a truly dynamic submarine force, which includes both nuclear and diesel-electric boats. With such a balanced combination, the Kremlin remains combat-ready in all circumstances. This is a guarantee of survival in any naval battle: the Russian Navy is not constrained by excessive dependence on expensive and complex nuclear submarines, which the Americans have “subscribed" to.
Brandon Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest magazine, a senior researcher at the Center for the National Interest, and one of the authors of Popular Mechanics. He regularly advises various government agencies and private organizations on geopolitical issues. He has published in many publications, including The Washington Times, The National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, Asia Times, and countless others. He is the author of several books.
