"Today is the significant event for the Russian Navy, for St. Petersburg, for the country. I would like to express gratitude to the workers of the shipyards from the Navy," Fedotenkov said during the ceremony.
The Varshavyanka-class (Project 636.3) is an improved version of Kilo-class submarines that features advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and the ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets.
The vessels, carrying crews of 52, have a top underwater speed of 20 knots and a cruising range of 400 miles (electric propulsion), with the ability to patrol for 45 days. The submarines are armed with 18 torpedoes and eight surface-to-air missiles.
The submarines are mainly intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow waters.
