Russias New Nuclear Submarine: The Khabarovsk

• the original plan to adapt the Borei-class hull for the Project 08951 class has faced setbacks
• Efforts on the Khabarovsk submarine project began as early as 2014,
• The Russian Ministry of Defence has proudly proclaimed that the Khabarovsk submarine is meticulously designed

Russia has officially unveiled its latest military advancement, the Khabarovsk submarine, an impressive vessel specifically designed to carry the advanced Poseidon torpedoes. These nuclear-capable torpedoes have been dramatically described as capable of generating "radioactive tsunamis," a notion that underscores their destructive potential. The launch took place at a prominent shipyard in Severodvinsk, situated in the expansive and remote northern reaches of Russia, a strategic location known for its historical significance in naval construction.

This sophisticated submarine is the second of its kind, designed to deploy the innovative Poseidon drones, which are integral to Russia's arsenal of "next generation" weaponry first announced by President Vladimir Putin in 2018. 

Recently, Russia conducted a successful test of the Poseidon, adding to its series of military demonstrations that affirm its readiness to enhance its defence systems. This came shortly after testing another element of its superweapon catalogue, the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, which further illustrates the nation’s commitment to advancing its strategic military capabilities. Currently, Russia is engaged in a comprehensive upgrade of its nuclear defence systems, including its fleet of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), while simultaneously constructing new guided missile submarines. 

The Khabarovsk is engineered to perform a wide array of naval missions using modern underwater weaponry, incorporating robotic devices designed for diverse operational roles, which enhances its utility in various combat scenarios. Defence Minister Andrey Belousov has stated that the advanced weaponry onboard the Khabarovsk plays a critical role in fortifying Russia's national territory and safeguarding Moscow's interests worldwide. 

The submarine's launch event was attended by key figures in Russia's military and industrial sectors, including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and the commander of the Russian Navy, Adm. Alexander Moiseev. The presence of these prominent officials, along with leaders from the United Shipbuilding Corporation and the Sevmash shipyard, underscored the strategic importance of this occasion and highlighted Russia's ambition to solidify its position at the forefront of military innovation on the global stage.

Design

The Khabarovsk is officially designated by the Russian Ministry of Defence as a “nuclear-powered missile cruiser,” a classification typically associated with the advanced nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) that form a critical part of Russia’s naval strategy. However, this innovative submarine diverges from the traditional role of SSBNs, as there is currently no evidence to suggest that it will be equipped with ballistic missiles. Instead, the Khabarovsk is anticipated to be armed primarily with an arsenal of innovative Poseidon torpedoes. These torpedoes are engineered to operate autonomously, capable of striking targets thousands of miles away and may be supplemented by an array of advanced land-attack cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and conventional torpedoes, thereby providing a formidable multi-dimensional combat capability. 

Designed by the renowned Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering, the Khabarovsk draws its hull design from the Borei-class SSBN, which allows it to benefit from established engineering principles while significantly redefining its capabilities. This design strategy not only streamlines development and reduces costs but also amplifies Khabarovsk's stealth profile, making it a more elusive target in maritime environments. The stern configuration features prominent design elements akin to those found on the Borei-class, including a pump-jet propulsor that has been meticulously obscured to safeguard sensitive design information from prying eyes.

In terms of actual dimensions, the Khabarovsk is notably more compact than its Borei-class siblings due to the absence of a dedicated ballistic missile section. With a surfaced displacement of approximately 10,000 tons, it represents a significant reduction compared to the 15 000 tons of the Borei-class vessels. The Khabarovsk is estimated to reach a length of around 370 feet, in contrast to the formidable 560-foot profile of the Borei-class submarines, exemplifying the design’s intent to create a more agile and efficient platform for undersea operations.

What truly sets the Project 08951 class apart is its intentional design integration centred around the Poseidon torpedo, establishing its capabilities from the outset. The Khabarovsk is thought to accommodate six Poseidon torpedoes, each of which measures approximately sixty-six feet in length, about six feet in diameter, and weighs a staggering 110 tons. 

“For the first time, we managed not only to launch it with a launch engine from a carrier submarine but also to activate the nuclear power unit on which this device operated for a certain period,” stated the Russian president, underscoring the monumental technological advancements associated with the Khabarovsk's program.

Distinguished as the second submarine confirmed to possess the capability for deploying Poseidon torpedoes, the Khabarovsk follows the Project 09852 Belgorod, which was commissioned into the Russian Navy in 2022. Unlike the Khabarovsk, the Belgorod is a retrofitted Oscar II-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine (SSGN), having undergone a significant transformation. After extensive modifications, it gained the ability to carry six Poseidon torpedoes while also being tailored for multiple operational roles, showcasing its versatility.

Russia has characterised the Belgorod as a “research” vessel, ideally suited for conducting a range of sophisticated scientific expeditions and intricate rescue operations in the most remote and challenging regions of the world's oceans. 

Mission

The Russian Ministry of Defence has proudly proclaimed that the Khabarovsk submarine is meticulously designed to not only defend Russia’s expansive maritime borders but also to protect its vital strategic interests in the vast and unpredictable arenas of the world’s oceans. However, its most pivotal role is that of a carrier for the formidable Poseidon torpedo.

The Poseidon represents a groundbreaking advancement in underwater weaponry, often referred to as a "super torpedo." This weapon is believed to be armed with a highly destructive "dirty" warhead, engineered to inflict not just the catastrophic devastation typically associated with nuclear explosions, but also to spread lethal radioactive contamination over vast regions, posing long-term risks to human health and the environment. 

Poseidon is an innovative nuclear propulsion system which empowers it to glide stealthily across the oceans for extended periods. This extraordinary capability poses a significant challenge to national and international defence measures, as traditional tracking and interception systems may prove inadequate in the face of such a cunning and elusive threat. 

By seeking to deploy the Poseidon, Russia aims to significantly enhance its second-strike capability. Historically, Russia has depended heavily on its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines (SSBNs) for such capabilities, and with the United States advancing its ambitious Golden Dome missile defence initiative, the significance of a versatile and unpredictable second-strike capability has never been more critical.

Regardless of the specific operational contexts in which the Poseidon might be employed, the introduction of this groundbreaking class of submarine into the Russian naval fleet reshapes the strategic landscape, presenting formidable challenges for potential adversaries. NATO’s comprehensive anti-submarine warfare strategies have long been focused on tracking and neutralising Russian SSBNs and SSGNs, along with the specialised hunter-killer submarines assigned to protect them.

History

Efforts on the Khabarovsk submarine project began as early as 2014, predating the public revelation of the Poseidon system in 2018, which signifies the strategic importance of this program to Russia's military capabilities.

Originally, the Khabarovsk was anticipated to be launched by mid-2020. However, several factors have contributed to delays in its development. Compounding these challenges is the Russian Navy's current prioritisation of modernising its submarine fleet. This broader modernisation effort has led to heightened competition among various shipbuilding projects, including the development of innovative attack submarines and the Borei-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). The Khabarovsk, classified under Project 08951, has thus had to vie for resources and attention against these high-priority programs.

Furthermore, the original plan to adapt the Borei-class hull for the Project 08951 class has faced setbacks. Recent reports suggest that the next vessel designated to carry the Poseidon system, potentially named Ulyanovsk, will rely on a modified Yasen-class nuclear-powered attack submarine hull instead. This decision signifies a strategic shift and reflects the complexities involved in the project's execution.

As a result, Russia is now making significant strides toward operationalising its first submarine specifically designed to deploy the Poseidon, a formidable nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed torpedo. This program is likely to be closely monitored by international observers, particularly adversaries of the Russian Navy, as the Poseidon nears combat readiness. The implications of this development extend beyond national security, potentially altering strategic balances and military doctrines in the region and beyond.