New Russian submarines 'Krasnoyarsk' and 'Emperor Alexander III'. A pivotal moment for Russia's naval power

Putin was present for the flag-raising ceremony on the nuclear-powered submarines "Krasnoyarsk" and "Emperor Alexander III", both of which were constructed at the Sevmash shipyard. The "Krasnoyarsk" is the second multi-purpose submarine of the 885M (Yasen-M) project, while "Emperor Alexander III" is the seventh submarine of the 955A Borey-A project to enter into service.

Putin, speaking in Severodvinsk, mentioned, "The submarines equipped with ballistic missiles 'Emperor Alexander III' and 'Krasnoyarsk' will soon begin service within the Pacific Fleet to defend our homeland's eastern borders." The Russian president also confirmed that these submarines and their weaponry would ensure Russia's safety. He announced Moscow's plan to modernize the Russian Navy.

According to announcements from the Russian state press agency TASS, the Borei-A class submarines, colloquially known as boomers, are anticipated to become the backbone of Russian strategic nuclear forces. These units, designed in Russia after the dissolution of the USSR, began construction in the 90s. However, the first vessel wasn't commissioned until 2013. The "Emperor Alexander III" is the seventh Borey-type ship and the fourth Borey-A subtype.

The Borei-A class units utilize nuclear propulsion and are stocked with 16 R-30 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles (in NATO's classification, SS-N-30), which serve as their chief armament. The precise technical data of these missiles remains undisclosed, but generally, it's believed that they can carry up to 10 thermonuclear warheads to a maximum range of roughly 5592 miles, with each capable of striking different targets.

Borei-A class submarines measure 557 feet in length and 44 feet in width, with a displacement of around 26,455 tons. Interestingly, these are the first Russian submarines to incorporate a jet thruster instead of the traditional propeller. They accommodate a crew of 130 onboard. The "Krasnoyarsk" submarine from the 885M (Yasen-M) project represents an upgraded version of the 885 Yasen project, essentially a fourth-generation nuclear-powered strike submarine. Apart from "Krasnoyarsk", two other ships of this type exist - the "Severodvinsk" (entered service in 2014) and the "Kazan" (entered service in 2020).

These units measure 394 feet in length and 42 feet in width, with a displacement of approximately 15,422 tons. They are capable of diving to depths of up to 1968 feet and operate self-sufficiently for up to 100 days. Like the Borei-class ships, exact technical data on the 885M project units remain undisclosed. However, it is known that these submarines can carry 533 mm caliber torpedoes, as well as Onyx, Caliber, and Granat missiles. A 64-person crew operates each ship.