Summary and Top Line Points: Moscow aims to offset recent Black Sea Fleet losses with a new class of submarines by 2030. The nuclear-powered Laika (Husky) class will replace aging Akula and Sierra variants.

-These submarines, boasting advanced stealth and weapons like the Tsirkon hypersonic missile, face delays due to Russia's focus on Ukraine.

-Developed by the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau, the Husky class features modular structures and AI-integrated combat management. However, resource constraints may hinder timely deployment.

Moscow's Husky Submarines: A Game Changer or Delayed Dream?

Moscow hopes the imminent arrival of a new class of submarines will make up for some of the Black Sea Fleet’s losses over the last couple of years. 

A new, nuclear-powered sub class is expected to begin joining the Russian Navy by 2030. Designated as the Laika class and also as the Husky class, these boats are designed to replace the country’s aging Akula and Sierra variants. 

The Kremlin boasts that these upcoming submarines will represent the latest advances in stealth and will carry a range of advanced weapons like the Tsirkon hypersonic missile. However, Moscow remains bogged down in Ukraine. Unable to spare funds  or resources, Russia’s navy will likely not acquire these Husky boats on its planned timeline. 

What We Know About the Husky Submarines 

The Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau has been developing the fifth-generation Husky class for around a decade. Russia’s Defense Ministry formally signed a contract with the manufacturer in 2016, and the preliminary design of the class was completed shortly after. 

Once the sub class was officially designated “Laika,” Russian state news outlets began speculating on the series’ potential capabilities. TASS claimed that “the Tsirkon hypersonic missile will be among the ship’s strike weapons,” and that “the submarine will feature modular structure and a joint integrated combat management system with artificial intelligence.”

The Tsirkon Missile

This scramjet-powered, nuclear-capable hypersonic Tsirkon cruise missile is arguably one of Russia’s most deadly weapons. If the weapon’s specs are even close to what the Kremlin claims, its unmatched speeds could allow it to overcome even the most sophisticated Western missile defenses, including the Patriot. 

According to Moscow, the Tsirkon can reach speeds over Mach 8.0. If true, this missile is the fastest in the world, according to the U.S.-based Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. Obviously, Husky submarines fitted with this lethal weapon would threaten American interests. 

Although limited specs and capabilities surrounding this fifth-generation submarine class have been publicized, the Husky boats are also expected to arm other cruise and ballistic missiles. In addition to the Tsirkon, these submarines will be equipped with the 3M-54 Kalibr and P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles. The Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau is also developing new ballistic missiles with maneuverable re-entry vehicles, which could be incorporated into the Husky class.

Other leaked information surrounding the Husky class claims a displacement for the boats of 11,340 tons and a maximum speed of 35 knots. Several images of the Husky design released by its manufacturer depict a boat resembling the Akula-class design. Notably, however, the new submarines feature X-form aft planes and a longer, more blended sail.

While the premise of such a formidable new line of nuclear-powered submarines should concern U.S. officials, Russia has little attention to spare for such projects right now. Moscow is rapidly draining its resources, funds, and weapons in Ukraine. With no end in sight to the conflict, the Kremlin is unlikely to pivot its focus to developing advanced platforms. The timely introduction of the Husky class is unlikely, and only time will tell whether these submarines are as lethal as Moscow claims.

About the Author: Maya Carlin

Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. 

All images are Creative Commons and/or Shutterstock of the Akula-Class Submarine.