BrahMos Missiles on Stealth Submarine

Russia’s Rubin Central Design Bureau has unveiled the Amur-class submarine, a modernized variant of its Kilo-class predecessors, at the Army-2024 exhibition in Moscow. The Amur-class is designed for the international market and brings enhanced stealth capabilities and cruise missile strike potential, positioning it as a cost-effective challenger to Western alternatives and aiming to secure Russia’s competitive edge in global submarine exports.

Story Highlights

  • Russia unveils Amur-class submarine with advanced stealth and weaponry.
  • Amur-class targets global export markets, challenging Western alternatives.
  • Integration of BrahMos missiles raises strategic concerns.

Amur-Class Submarine: Strategic Export Move by Russia

Russia’s Rubin Central Design Bureau has unveiled the Amur-class submarine, a modernized variant of its Kilo-class predecessors, at the Army-2024 exhibition in Moscow. The Amur-class is designed for the international market and brings enhanced stealth capabilities and cruise missile strike potential, appealing to countries looking for a cost-effective alternative to Western submarines. With its advanced features, the Amur-class aims to secure Russia’s position in the competitive global submarine export market.

The Rubin Central Design Bureau describes the Amur-950 as a “naval floating battery” capable of delivering preemptive strikes against enemy ships and coastal infrastructure.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The Amur-950 variant boasts a surface displacement of 950 tons and dimensions of 58.8 meters in length. It features Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) diesel engines, allowing for a maximum speed of 20 knots and an operational depth of 250 meters. With an autonomous operation endurance of 30-45 days, it can cover a range of 600 kilometers. The submarine’s crew size is minimized to 18-19 personnel due to high automation, enhancing operational efficiency.

The armament configuration includes four 533mm torpedo tubes, ten vertical launch system (VLS) cells for BrahMos cruise missiles, and additional ordnance capabilities. This integration of BrahMos missiles enhances the submarine’s offensive capabilities, making it a potent force in the naval arena.

Global Impact and Strategic Implications

The introduction of the Amur-class submarine is poised to alter regional naval balances, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. The integration of BrahMos missiles provides export customers with a powerful anti-ship and coastal strike platform, heightening concerns among Western naval powers about shifts in strategic calculations. The Amur-class represents Russia’s attempt to maintain technological relevance in submarine design, even in the face of international sanctions and economic constraints.

Watch: Russia’s Silent Stealth Fleet Gains Major Edge with Advanced Western Military Technology | WION

Sources:

Russia’s ‘New’ Amur-Class Stealth Submarine Summed Up in 1 Word

Russian Design Firm Introduces New Class of Submarines for Export

Russia Unveils Amur-950 Submarine with BrahMos VLS Capacity

Russia to Unveil New Amur-950 Attack Submarine at Moscow’s Army-2024 Exhibition