Moscow’s state-owned shipyard Sevmash has officially commenced the construction of the Russian Navy’s 10th Yasen-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, named the Murmansk. The keel-laying ceremony marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Russia’s naval capabilities, with military Commander-in-Chief Alexander Moiseyev approving the vessel’s designation.
The Murmansk is named after a strategic port located in Russia’s northwest region, highlighting its importance to both military and maritime operations. The current initiative is taking place alongside the ongoing construction of three additional Yasen-class submarines, with another vessel currently undergoing sea trials. In total, Sevmash is working on 12 hulls under this submarine program.
The Yasen-class project began its journey with the commissioning of the lead submarine in 2014, and the most recent addition to the fleet was delivered in January 2025. During the keel-laying ceremony, Moiseyev emphasized that the Yasen class represents the pinnacle of Russian science and technology, dubbing the submarines as “modern, effective naval combat systems.” He further asserted the importance of submarine forces to Russia’s naval capability and overall security, expressing optimism about the timely and high-quality completion of the Murmansk.
The Yasen-class submarines were initially conceptualized in the 1980s to replace the older Oscar and Akula submarines from the Soviet era. A significant redesign in the 2000s ensured the vessels could adequately address evolving global threats. The first submarine in this class, the Severodvinsk, serves as the baseline configuration for the others.
Measuring 130 meters (427 feet) in length with a beam of 13 meters (43 feet), the Yasen can accommodate over 60 personnel. The submarine is equipped with a variety of advanced sensor systems and munitions, including 533mm torpedoes, air defense missiles, naval mines, and a range of cruise missiles capable of hypersonic speeds and land-attack functions.
Powering the Yasen-class is an OK-650KPM pressurized water reactor, providing an output of 43,000 horsepower and allowing for an unlimited operational range. The submarine can reach top speeds of 35 knots (approximately 40 miles or 65 kilometers per hour) and dive to depths of 1,800 feet (549 meters), positioning it as a formidable asset within the Russian fleet.
