The Russian Ministry of Defense has decided to close the "Lada" line (three boats out of the eight planned) and divert the resources in the fifth-generation submarines. The decision was formally taken a few hours ago.
The "Lada" class will enter service in the Baltic War Fleet. Funding will be directed to the Kalina project. "According to the Russian Navy's rearmament program, by the time of the 2020 Moscow should bring in enough fourth-generation submarines to replace the antiquated boats that still sail the sea today. The main role of Hunter Killer it will be up to the multi-purpose class submarines Yasen, while nuclear deterrence will be entrusted to Borey (photo below).
The new fifth-generation 'Kalina' class submarines could enter production between the 2020 and the 2025. The development of the AIP system should be completed by the 2017, with the first boat equipped with propulsion independent of the air ready by the 2018. The new propulsion system was developed at the Sevmash shipyard, the largest in the country.
the class Lada however, it will enter history. The second boat, the "Kronstadt" and the last of the class, the "Sevastopol", will be the first to be equipped with the air independent system.
AIP systems allow the non-nuclear submarine to operate without the use of outside air. The advantages, at least conceptually, are many. While for the reactor of a nuclear submarine cooling liquid must be continuously pumped, generating a certain amount of detectable noise, the non-nuclear battery-powered boats with AIP system, would sail in silence. A submarine powered by the AIP system could operate on patrol or deterrence missions for 30 / 40 days.
A 'Lada' class submarine is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes and can fire cruise missiles. It is designed to defend naval bases and sea lines. It can be effectively used both against surface ships and against role submarines Hunter Killer.
(photo: TASS)
