MOSCOW, June 11. /TASS/. The improved Project 955A (Borei-A) strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine Knyaz Vladimir will enter service with the Russian Navy on June 12, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.

"On Russia Day, June 12, the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk will hold a ceremony of accepting the latest Project Borei-A (955A) strategic missile-carrying underwater cruiser Knyaz Vladimir for service in the Navy and raising the St. Andrew’s naval flag on its board," the ministry said.

A source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on June 8 that the improved Project 955A (Borei-A) lead nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir would enter service with the Northern Fleet’s 31st submarine division on June 12.

The nuclear-powered submarine completed its state trials in late 2019 but the sub’s delivery to the Navy was delayed over faults revealed. After the faults were removed, the underwater cruiser held final trials in the White Sea on May 12-21 and then returned to Severodvinsk. The sub’s acceptance/delivery certificate was signed on May 28.

The Knyaz Vladimir is the improved Project 955A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruiser, which represents the fourth generation of nuclear-powered subs built for the Russian Navy. It was floated out in November 2017. According to the data of Russia’s Defense Ministry, the sub Knyaz Vladimir is less noisy and features improved maneuvering, depth and armament control systems.

All Borei-class submarines can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles. They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes.