Admiralteiskie Verfi shipyard has launched the Kolpino, diesel-electric submarine of Project 636 built for RF Navy, on May 31, 2016, the Company told IAA PortNews.
The solemn ceremony has been attended by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Aleksandr Fedotenkov, Saint-Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko and USC President Aleksei Rakhmanov.
“The Admiralteiskie Verfi has confirmed its ability to build excellent ships”, said Georgy Poltavchenko.
Vice Admiral Aleksandr Fedotenkov commented: “You always build ships according to a schedule and high level of quality required by the Navy. There was good reason to use your success and contribution into enhancing of the Navy’s technical efficiency in the decision on construction of a new series of conventional submarines for the Pacific Fleet.”
Kolpino, the last submarine in the series of six ships built by Admiralteiskie Verfi for RF Navy, 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 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 Veliky Novgorod, the fifth one launched on March 18, 2016, will leave for sea trials soon.
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.