Russian Black Sea Fleet Receives Final Varshavyanka-Class Sub

The Russian Navy commissioned on Thursday the sixth and final Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarine for the Black Sea Fleet, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported from the official ceremony.

ST. PETERSBURG (Sputnik) — The commissioning ceremony for the Kolpino diesel-electric submarine took place at Russia's Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. Adm. Vladimir Korolev, the commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy, Vice Adm. Viktor Bursuk, the deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy for armament, and Alexei Rakhmanov, the president of Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), attended the event.

The submarine was launched at the Admiralty Shipyards in May.

The Varshavyanka-class (Project 636.3) is an improved version of Kilo-class submarines that features elements of 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 mainly intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine missions in coastal waters.

In September, the Russian Defense Ministry and the Admiralty Shipyards signed a contract on the construction of six additional Varshavyanka-class submarines by 2021.