MOSCOW/ST. PETERSBURG, July 27 (RIA Novosti) - Construction of the first fourth-generation diesel-electric submarine will begin in St. Petersburg for the Russian Navy, Russian Navy Commander Vladimir Kuroyedov said Wednesday.
The fourth-generation submarines have many advantages, he said.
"They include increased invisibility and modern weaponry."
Construction of "St. Petersburg", the main Project 677 submarine, began in 1997, but the vessel has only recently been launched, and is being prepared for tests.
"The submarine will be operational by 2006, after full testing. As many more of these submarines as we can build will be included in all Russian fleets," Kuroyedov said.
According to data from the Admiral Verfi shipyard, the new submarine is about 66 meters long and about seven meters wide. It cruises at a speed of 21 knots, and can dive 300 meters.
The new submarine is capable of executing multiple-launch missile strikes against different targets.
