Russian Pacific Fleet nuclear sub successfully live-fires sea-launched ICBM

MOSCOW, October 12. /TASS/. The Russian Pacific Fleet’s Project 667BDR (Kalmar class) Georgy Pobedonosets nuclear submarine has successfully live-fired a sea-launched intercontinental ballistic missile from the Sea of Okhotsk at the Chizha practice range in north Russia, the press office of Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

"The launch was carried out from the submerged position. The missile’s warhead arrived at the Chizha practice range in north Russia at the designated time," the press office said.

The nuclear sub’s successful test-firing showed "the high level of the Pacific Fleet submarine forces’ readiness and confirmed the efficiency of the system of the sea-based strategic nuclear forces’ combat control," the Defense Ministry said.

"The actions of the commander and the crew of the nuclear submarine Georgy Pobedonosets have been recognized as professional and competent. The crew is ready to accomplish tasks as part of the constant alert forces," the Defense Ministry said. 

Borei class nuclear submarines to replace old Kalmar class subs 

In 2015 it was announced that two fourth generation Project 955 Borei class strategic nuclear submarines in Russia’s Pacific Fleet  would replace the old strategic nuclear submarines of Project 667BDR (Kalmar class). 

Borei-class submarines have become a breakthrough project for today. Borei developers have managed to achieve the submarine’s maximum stealth capability by using a hydraulic propeller placed in a special ring nozzle and operating like a water pump receiving a streamflow.

The submarine’s hull is assembled of blocks while all its equipment is mounted on shock absorbers. They separate each block from the hull, thus further reducing the vessel’s noisiness level when a submarine moves under the water. 

Besides, all the submarine’s sonars are united into a single automated digital system, which both locate targets and, for example, measure the ice thickness and search for ice openings. 

Borei-class submarines can detect targets under the water while staying out of reach of sonars used by any of the enemy’s warships. Submarines of this class are armed with Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are their basic combat striking power. The performance characteristics of Bulava ICBMs are not disclosed and constitute a state secret.