On March 18, 2016, Admiralteiskie Verfi launched the Veliky Novgorod, diesel-electric submarine built for RF Navy, the Company says in its press release.
The Veliky Novgorod submarine, the fifth one in the series being built by Admiralteiskie Verfi shipyard, was laid down in October 2014. The submarine has been built under the long-term plan of RF Defence Ministry on Black Sea Fleet’s combat readiness recovery and the plrogramme on improvement of diesel-electric submarines for Russian Navy.
All six submarines of the series are named after Hero-Cities or Cities of Military Glory.
The solemn ceremony has been attended by Director General of Admiralteiskie Verfi Aleksandr Buzakov and other officials.
The Novorossiysk, the lead submarine of the series, and the Rostov-on-Don joined the Black Sea Fleet of RF Navy in August and December 2014. Two more submarines, the Stary Oskol and the Krasnodar, were delivered to RF Navy in July and November 2015. The Kolpino, the sixth and the last submarine in the series, is to be launched in May.
Submarines of the modified 636 projects feature enhanced (compared to previous projects) combat characteristics. Non-nuclear powered submarines of improved Kilo-class (NATO reporting name) or Varshavyanka class advanced project 636 feature an optimal combination of stealth capabilities and target detection range, the newest navigation system, modern automated information management system, powerful high-speed torpedo and missiles. The boats are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in relatively shallow waters.
Admiralteiskie Verfi has been building submarines from 1932. Over this period the shipyard has built over 400 submarines and different deepwater vehicles.
Admiralteiskie Verfi OJSC (Admiralty Shipyards) is a key enterprise of shipbuilding, a centre of conventional submarine building of Russia. The shipyard is affiliated with the United Shipbuilding Corporation OJSC. A number of contracts are being successfully implemented at the shipyard for domestic and foreign customers. Four series of submarines are under construction now for RF and foreign Navies. Besides, icebreaker Ilya Muromets is under construction. The Company’s staff numbers 6,500 persons.