Russian Submarines Are Carrying Out Torpedo Attacks in Training Drills
Two Russian Navy diesel-electric submarines, Novorossiysk and Dmitrov, recently engaged in what looks like a training duel in the Baltic Sea, demonstrating their combat capabilities despite being considered inferior to nuclear-powered submarines.
Summary and Key Points: Two Russian Navy diesel-electric submarines, Novorossiysk and Dmitrov, recently engaged in what looks like a training duel in the Baltic Sea, demonstrating their combat capabilities despite being considered inferior to nuclear-powered submarines.
-They practiced maneuvers such as torpedo attacks, evading enemy actions, and anti-submarine coordination.
-This exercise occurs amidst rising tensions between Russia and NATO in the Baltic region. Notably, the Kilo-class submarines, to which both Novorossiysk and Dmitrov belong, are equipped with significant firepower but have limitations in speed and endurance compared to nuclear submarines.
Russian Kilo-Class Submarines Showcase Combat Readiness in Baltic Sea Duel
Two Russian Navy diesel-electric submarines, Novorossiysk and Dmitrov, engaged in a training duel in the Baltic Sea. The duel was meant to highlight the capabilities of these diesel-electric submarines, which are often considered substandard relative to more modern, nuclear-powered submarines.
According to state-owned TASS: “In the designated area of the Baltic Sea, after the completion of anti-submarine maneuvers, the crew of [Novorossiysk] carried out a torpedo attack with the use of practical ammunition (without a warhead).”
Both submarines practiced combat maneuvers like evading enemy attacks and coordinating with one another for anti-submarine exercises. They also practiced detecting, tracking, and launching torpedoes against enemy submarines.
Tensions Rising
“The drills in the region are significant as they come against the backdrop of rising tensions between Russia and NATO states in the Baltic region,” EurAsian Times reported. “Last month, for instance, Russia attempted to change the maritime border in the eastern Baltic Sea, triggering fresh tensions with NATO.”
Russian reliance on its submarine fleet to convey latent power seems to be growing. The Russian nuclear-powered submarine Kazan visited Cuba recently and conducted military drills in the Caribbean, not far from the American shoreline. As Kazan skirted the U.S. coastline, armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, NATO deployed a P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft to monitor the submarine’s movements.
The West dismissed concerns over Kazan’s proximity to the U.S. shoreline, however, despite international circumstances. “The timing of the port call, under the U.S. watch, came amid escalations in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, with NATO countries increasing their stakes in the war,” EurAsian Times reported.
The Kilo-Class Submarine
Novorossiysk and Dmitrov are Kilo-class submarines. Built continuously from 1980 to the present, 83 Kilo submarines have been completed, and 65 are still in service. The Kilo’s diesel-electric propulsion system includes two 1,000-kilowatt diesel generators and one propulsion motor capable of producing up to 6,800 horsepower.
The submarine can achieve speeds of 20 knots when submerged, meaning the class is somewhat slow. Unlike nuclear submarines, which can operate indefinitely, the Kilo class has an endurance of 45 days and a range of about 8.600 miles when operating with the snorkel; 460 miles when submerged; and just 14 miles at full capacity. The Kilo can operate at depths of 790 feet, with a maximum depth of 980 feet.
The Kilo measures 74 meters long with a 10-meter beam and a 6.5-meter draft. The vessel displaces up to 2,350 tons when surfaced and up to 4,000 tons when submerged.
The Kilo is well armed, with six 533 mm torpedo tubes and 18 torpedoes. Additionally, the Kilo carries four Kalibr/Club land-attack cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and anti-submarine missiles; 24 mines; and 8 SA-N-8 Gremlin/SA-N-10 Gimlet surface-to-air missiles.
About the Author: Defense Expert Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.
