Russia's ambitious Lada-class submarines stumble over design and construction hurdles

The submarine B-587 Velikiye Luki is the second unit produced under Project 677, or the Lada project. In late December 2023, the B-587 sea trials commenced in the Baltic Sea. However, taking into account the construction schedule, delays, and the time taken from launch to the onset of trials, it is evident that the Russians are grappling with significant obstacles regarding their new vessels.

The B-587 Velikiye Luki is a vessel designed entirely in Russia, post the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The intent was for the Project 677 units (Lada type) to replace the Kilo-class submarines and simultaneously rival the new Western submarines with conventional propulsion.

Theoretically, the Lada type boasts several innovative features. Among these is the capability for rapidly launching their entire stock of ammunition consisting of 18 different types of torpedoes and rocket projectiles. This is made possible thanks to a quick reload system devised by the Russians.

In terms of specifications, Project 677 vessels were designed to be quieter than their predecessors. They're equipped to launch not only torpedoes but also missiles targeting sea and land locations. Furthermore, they are custom-built for operations in shallow waters like the Baltic. There have been mentions in the past about the installation of an air-independent propulsion system, but these have since been refuted.

These features were incorporated into a considerably smaller unit. The Lada-class submarine measures 236 feet in length, has approximately 2976 tons of submerged displacement, and is operated by a crew of 35.

The issues encountered during construction point to overambitious plans on the part of Russia. The program is significantly lagging, with the construction of the first unit, B-585 Saint Petersburg, commencing in 1997, its commissioning taking place in 2010, and its subsequent withdrawal for being marked an experimental unit.

The second vessel in the series, B-586 Kronstadt, is presently undergoing sea trials, while the third, B-587 Velikiye Luki, has just begun theirs. The delays and extended construction durations suggest that both units, considered production series, encountered problems that necessitated substantial design alterations.

The challenges with the Lada-class vessels led the Russians to consider terminating their construction in 2011. However, due to intervention from higher authorities, the project was conditionally reinstated.