Over the next few years, the Russian Northern Fleet will receive several new Yasen and Borei-class submarines, fourth-generation submarines. More in the shadow of attention is the ongoing modernisation of older ships. The submarine “Tambov” is scheduled to start new sea trials in 2021 after a six-year repair and modernization phase.
The “Tambov” was the last nuclear-powered submarine to be laid down in the Baltisky shipyard. It entered service in 1993 and continued to serve during Soviet times. The submarine was handed over to the Northern Fleet, but mostly remained in port. The submarine was built under the designation K-448.1992 it was reclassified and renamed B-448. On March 25, 1995, it was given the current name “Tambov” to commemorate the 360th anniversary of the ancient Russian city.
As reported rusnavy.com, the “Tambov” only ran four patrols from 1993 to 1997. In 2015, the submarine was transferred from active service to the Nerpa shipyard north of Murmansk on the Kola Peninsula. The shipyard is a branch of the Zvyozdochka Ship Repair Centre in Severodvinsk. Over the past 20 years, the shipyard has been known best for its work on decommissioning nuclear submarines and for maintenance work for both the Navy and the civilian icebreaker fleet.
The first sea trials of the “Tambov” were planned for autumn 2020, but were postponed. The submarine is not expected to be handed over to the fleet before 2021. The reasons for the postponement are unknown, as the Press Office of Zvyozdochka did not provide any information.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal
