On June 25, 2021, the submarine “Belgorod” of Severodvinsk set sail for the first time. This was reported by the TASS news agency a few days ago. With the “Belgorod”, Russia will usher in a new era by arming the underwater drone “Poseidon”. The submarine “Belgorod” was built on the basis of the unfinished nuclear submarine missile cruiser of the project 949A and is to become the first carrier of the oceanic multi-purpose system “Poseidon”.
Two nuclear-powered submarines will be armed with “Poseidon” drones, the “Belgorod” and the “Khabarovsk”, built at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. Under the current armament program, three more special submarines of the same class are to be built by 2027.
In fact, the implementation of the new project 09852 of the nuclear missile submarine K-329 “Belgorod” is a reissue of the modified project 949A. This officially began with the construction of the submarine at the Sevmash shipyard on 24 July 1992. After the tragedy of the submarine “Kursk” in August 2000 in the Barents Sea, it was planned to replace the “Kursk” with the “Belgorod”. The last of several construction stops was officially announced on June 26, 2009. However, it was later decided to complete the nuclear submarine for other purposes.
On December 20, 2012, work resumed as a new project 09852. The “Belgorod” received major changes in the last years of its completion. The hull was extended by 30 meters with new sections. Measuring 184 meters, the “Belgorod” is the longest submarine in the world. The new compartments can accommodate various underwater vehicles. The “Belgorod” was hauled out of the Sevmash shipyard’s hangar and launched on April 23, 2019, in a solemn ceremony.
The nuclear submarine “Belgorod” is to be deployed in the Pacific Ocean after passing state trials and commissioning, a source close to the Defense Ministry told the TASS news agency.
“According to preliminary information, the submarine “Belgorod” will be deployed in the Pacific Ocean after its commissioning. However, it would be able to carry out missions in any other place,” it said. Another source disclosed that in addition to the “Poseidon” nuclear drones, the submarine can transport and deploy the deep-sea nuclear station AS-15. At the same time, some sources suggest that the full commissioning of the “Poseidon” drones on the submarine may not occur until 2027.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal
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