Russian Prez Putin Charts Aggressive Expansion of Submarine Fleet, Vows Strategic Edge in Next-Gen Naval Warfare

During a visit to the Arkhangelsk Region, Russian President Vladimir Putin chaired a high-level meeting in Severodvinsk focused on the long-term strategy for developing the Navy’s submarine forces. 

The meeting came as Russia continues to modernize its naval capabilities amid heightened global security tensions.

Image Source: Official Channel @RU

Opening the session, Putin expressed condolences to the families of victims in a civilian plane crash in the Amur Region, where dozens of lives were lost earlier in the day.

Turning to naval matters, the president described the submarine fleet as a vital pillar of Russia’s national security and a key component of maintaining global strategic parity. 

He noted that the pace of submarine construction had accelerated significantly in recent years, with nine nuclear-powered submarines--five Borei-A class and four Yasen-M class--delivered to the fleet in just six years.

Putin reaffirmed that expanding Russia’s strategic submarine missile fleet remains a top priority. Four additional Borei-A class submarines, which carry Bulava ballistic missiles, are planned, with two currently under construction. 

These vessels form the sea-based leg of Russia’s nuclear triad.

He also highlighted the development of the Yasen-M class multi-purpose submarines, which are central to Russia’s conventional naval strike capabilities. 

Four of these vessels are under construction at the Sevmash shipyard, and two more are in planning. 

The recently launched Perm is the first of its kind equipped with the Zirkon hypersonic missile system--signaling a shift toward high-speed, precision weaponry at sea.

Putin called for the continued serial production of Yasen-M submarines and reviewed progress on Russia’s Project 677 non-nuclear submarines, which are armed with Kalibr cruise missiles. 

The lead vessel, Kronstadt, entered service in 2024, and at least nine boats are planned under this class.

In addition to expanding existing capabilities, the Russian Navy has approved a program for the development of a fifth-generation strategic submarine. 

Putin asked for a status update on this classified project, underscoring its role in shaping future deterrence.

He also emphasized Russia’s ambition to lead in undersea robotic systems, calling them critical to the evolution of next-generation naval warfare. 

“It is this kind of weapons that will largely shape tomorrow’s Navy,” Putin said, urging innovation and speed in their development.

The meeting concluded with instructions to accelerate construction timelines and maintain technological superiority in both nuclear and conventional submarine forces.