SEVERODVINSK, June 17. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia's Navy commander-in-chief Viktor Chirkov hailed the induction of a new nuclear submarine into service as a ‘significant practical move’ to strengthen the country's fleet of submarines.

On Tuesday, the Russian Navy put into service a new Yasen-class attack submarine of Project 885 as St Andrew's flag was hoisted on the vessel.

“The process of overhauling the submarine fleet has entered the practical stage,” Admiral Chirkov said, adding: “The implementation of a long-term naval shipbuilding program will enable us to create a task force of new generation nuclear multi-role submarines for the Northern and Pacific Fleets.”

“It is unquestionable priority in our activity,” he noted.

The Navy cooperates with defense companies in design and construction issues, such as enhancing submarine security and quietness and installing new weapon systems.

In the medium term, new multi-role submarines and upgraded submarines will make the backbone of the non-nuclear deterrence task force equipped with precision weapons.

Chirkov said Russia was already designing 5th-generation submarines. “Tough shipbuilding rules do not provide for breaks in the development of new generations of submarines because of their active period and rapid scientific and technological progress,” he said.

“That is why we demand that companies start designing new generation of submarines after completing the design of previous generation,” the Navy commander said. “This enables us to avoid technology lag.”

Combat capability of multi-role nuclear and non-nuclear submarines will be enhanced by integration of robotic centers in their weapon systems. “It is envisioned in plans and these plans will be carried through,” Chirkov said.

Speaking on modernization of submarines currently in service with the Russian Navy, he underlined the time of “reckless decommissioning of vessels with considerable potential for upgraded” had ended.

For example, the Zvyozdochka shipyard will upgrade multi-role submarines of Project 971, while the Zvezda plant in the Far East will upgrade Project 949A Antei submarines.

Zvyozdochka is scheduled to being modernization of the Bratsk and the Samara submarines in early September.

The Severodvinsk will sail to the center of its permanent deployment by the end of 2014, Chirkov said, pledging good service conditions for sailors and good accommodation to their families. He said the submarine was expected to be in service at least 30 years.

The deployment of infrastructure for 4th generation submarines requires minimization of costs, availability of material and technological support and shipbuilding and ship-repair facilities and safety from man-made and natural threats, the admiral said.