Summary: The legacy of Soviet submarine innovation continues today with Russia's ambitious new submarine projects, amidst rising naval tensions with NATO. Among the most notable contributions to global submarine development are the Typhoon-class SSBNs, known for their massive size and firepower, famously represented by the Akula class. The Improved Kilo-class submarines, recognized for their stealth capabilities, are considered Russia's premier non-nuclear attack submarines. The Delta IV-class represents the evolution of Soviet ballistic missile submarines, with significant noise reduction and enhanced weaponry. The modern Yasen-M class introduces advanced nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines with a reduced acoustic signature and compatibility with the hypersonic 3M22 Tsirkon missile. Lastly, the Borei-class SSBNs represent the pinnacle of Russia's strategic submarine capabilities, equipped with the formidable RSM-56 Bulava SLBMs. Together, these classes demonstrate Russia's continued influence and innovation in submarine technology.

Under the Waves: The Most Iconic Russian and Soviet Submarines Unveiled

One of the global leaders in submarine production, the Soviet Union is responsible for many of the best and most innovative submarine classes in maritime history. The Russian Federation has recently sought to pick up where its Soviet predecessor left off, launching two ambitious new submarine projects as naval tensions sharpen between the Kremlin and NATO.

Here are the five top Russian and Soviet submarines.

Akula (Typhoon)

Of Red October fame, the Akula-class SSBN (nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines)—better known by its NATO reporting name “Typhoon”— is among the most iconic Soviet vessels ever conceived. Introduced in 1981, the lead Typhoon-class boat Dmitry Donskoi remains the largest military submarine in the world.

Armed with up to twenty R-39 Rif Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), as well as 533mm and 650mm torpedo tubes for self-defense in a pinch, the Typhoon submarines boasted a staggering amount of firepower to rival the competing U.S. Ohio-class SSBNs.

Improved Kilo-Class (Project 636.3)

Widely regarded as Russia’s best non-nuclear submarine, the Improved Kilo-class (Project 636.3) is the latest major development of the Soviet navy’s original Project 877 Kilo-class submarines. These diesel-electric attack boats are primarily intended for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-ship operations in littoral waters.

The project 636.3 boats boast a healthy complement of six torpedo tubes, but these submarines’ real strength lies in their extremely low noise signature output—the Improved Kilos are so quiet that the U.S. Navy colloquially refers to them as “black holes.”

Delta IV

The Delta IV-class is the culmination of a decades-long Soviet effort to perfect its flagship SSBN line.

These Soviet-era vessels—some of which are still currently serving in the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet—offer reduced noise levels over the Delta I-III classes, hull design tweaks, an expanded selection of compatible torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, and more powerful SLBMs along with weapons targeting upgrades.

The Delta submarines became a pillar of the USSR’s “bastion” naval strategy, aimed at carving out heavily-defended spaces within which Soviet SSBNs could operate safely and effectively.

Yasen-M

Russia’s new flagship line of nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines, the Yasen-M-class boasts a significantly lower acoustic signature than its Soviet-era predecessors.

The Yasen boats will be compatible with Russia’s upcoming 3M22 Tsirkon winged, hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile, posing a credible threat against NATO’s carrier strike groups. 

Borei

The Project 955 Borei-class SSBNs are the newest sea leg of Russia’s nuclear triad. Equipped with “invulnerable” RSM-56 Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), the Borei submarines are capable of delivering a payload orders of magnitude more destructive than the R-39 Rif SLBMs of the Typhoon-class.

About the Author

Mark Episkopos was a national security reporter for the National Interest.