Yasen-Class Submarine “Arkhangelsk” Begins Sea Trials
In recent days the Russian Navy initiated sea trials for the nuclear-powered submarine “Arkhangelsk” (K-564), a significant development in their maritime capabilities. The “Arkhangelsk,” part of the Yasen-M class (Project 885M), embarked on its first set of sea trials in the White Sea on June 11, 2024. The submarine was designed by the Malakhit Design Bureau and constructed by the Sevmash shipyard.
The Yasen-M class is a subclass of the Yasen-class, features stealth capabilities, advanced sonar systems, and improved weaponry compared to its predecessors. The “Arkhangelsk” is the fifth submarine in its sub class following the “Severodvinsk,” “Kazan,” “Novosibirsk,” and “Krasnoyarsk.” The construction of the “Arkhangelsk” commenced on March 19, 2015, and the vessel was launched on November 29, 2023.
The sea trials are crucial for assessing the submarine’s operational readiness and performance under real-world conditions. These trials involve rigorous testing of the submarine’s propulsion systems, navigation, and combat capabilities, ensuring that all systems function as designed before the vessel is formally inducted into the fleet. The trials in the White Sea will be followed by state acceptance tests scheduled for later this year.
The “Arkhangelsk” is expected to be officially handed over to the Russian Navy by December 2024, enhancing Russia’s strategic and tactical maritime capabilities. The Yasen-M class submarines are equipped with a variety of advanced weaponry, including the Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles, which provide significant firepower and are the embodiment of the Russian strategic deterrence arsenal. The Yassen-M submarines are designed for multiple roles, including anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land-attack missions, making them versatile assets.
The trials also highlight the ongoing efforts at Sevmash, Russia’s primary submarine construction facility, and the Malakhit Design Bureau, both of which play pivotal roles in advancing Russian naval technology. The successful completion of the “Arkhangelsk’s” trials will mark a significant achievement for these institutions and the broader Russian defense industry, as despite sanctions imposed by the West, those facilities retain their construction capabilities.