At present, the shipbuilding industry is completing a program for the construction of diesel-electric submarines of project 636.3 "Varshavyanka" for the Black Sea Fleet. In the near future, it is planned to continue the construction of such submarines, but in the interests of another operational-strategic association. The next series of "Varshavyanka" will serve in the Pacific Fleet.
Plans for the construction of several new diesel-electric submarines of project 636.3 for the Pacific Fleet were first announced in mid-January this year. According to the data published at that time, the navy was going to order the construction of a new series of Varshavyanka submarines, the purpose of which was to strengthen the existing submarine forces in the Pacific Ocean. As in the case of the Black Sea Fleet, it was planned to build six boats. The timing of the start of construction and the transfer of the finished equipment to the customer was not specified at that time. The representatives of the fleet got along with streamlined wording like "in the near future." Not so long ago, new details of the existing plans became known.
At the end of July, the RIA Novosti news agency published some information received from Igor Ponomarev, vice president of the United Shipbuilding Corporation for military shipbuilding. The high-ranking head of shipbuilding spoke about the approximate timing of the following work, and also named the enterprise where it is planned to carry out construction in accordance with the upcoming order.
Diesel-electric submarine B-237 "Rostov-on-Don". Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
I. Ponomarev noted that the order for the construction of new "Varshavyanka" has not yet been signed. Nevertheless, such an order should appear in the very near future. The contract will stipulate the cost of the submarines, as well as the timing of their delivery. The latter, it should be noted, have not yet been named. Soon after the official order is issued, the industry will be able to begin building the required submarines.
The construction of six diesel-electric submarines of project 636.3 is planned to be entrusted to the enterprise "Admiralteyskie Verfi" (St. Petersburg). This shipyard is currently completing an order for the supply of six Varshavyankas to the Black Sea Fleet, and has significant experience in the construction of similar submarines. The experience will be used in the construction of the next batch of submarines.
The timing of the laying of the lead submarine of the new batch, as well as the date of signing the construction contract, have not yet been specified. Nevertheless, I. Ponomarev said that these events will take place in the near future. After that, over the next few years, the customer will receive the required submarines, which will be introduced into the submarine forces of the Pacific Fleet.
Project 636.3 is the newest version of the project of diesel-electric submarines of the Varshavyanka family to date. Several submarines of this type are already in operation by the fleet, two are being tested and are being prepared for transfer to the customer. In the near future, the number of such boats will have to double due to the construction of new ships in the interests of the Pacific Fleet.
Construction of the head "Varshavyanka" for the Black Sea Fleet began in August 2010. At the end of November 2013, the B-261 Novorossiysk boat was launched. In September 2014, it was handed over to the customer, and by now it has started a full-fledged service. Construction of the second ship of the series, B-237 Rostov-on-Don, lasted from 2011 to 2014. At the very end of 2014, the ship was handed over to the fleet. In 2012-15, two more submarines were built: B-262 "Stary Oskol" and B-265 "Krasnodar", which by now have passed all tests and accepted by the navy. The ships accepted by the fleet serve in the 4th separate submarine brigade and are based in Novorossiysk.
In March and May 2016, Admiralty Shipyards launched the last two Varshavyanka diesel-electric submarines for the Black Sea Fleet: B-268 Veliky Novgorod and B-271 Kolpino. They are currently being tested and, according to available data, they will be transferred to the Black Sea Fleet by the end of the year. Thus, no later than the first months of next year, full service will begin for all six boats built for the Black Sea Fleet over the past few years.
The fulfillment of the order for the supply of diesel-electric submarines to the Black Sea Fleet will enable the implementation of plans for the rearmament of the Pacific Fleet. A series of six submarines is planned again, which will take several years to build. The exact timing of the start of construction is still unknown, but from the available data it follows that the laying of the lead ship of the series will take place before the end of this year. The pace of work on the construction of the first series of Varshavyankas makes it possible to imagine how quickly the Pacific Fleet will receive new submarines.
Diesel-electric submarines of project 636.3 "Varshavyanka" represent a further development of several previous developments of their class with improved characteristics and improved capabilities. Submarine boats with a displacement of 3950 tons are equipped with two diesel generators and two electric motors designed for use in different modes. The submarines carry six 533 mm bow torpedo tubes. They can be used for firing torpedoes or missiles, as well as for laying mines. It also provides for the transportation of portable anti-aircraft missile systems for self-defense.
In the Varshavyanka armament complex, the Kalibr-PL missile system is of the greatest interest. It provides the ability to use cruise missiles of several types for different purposes. Missiles are launched through standard torpedo tubes from a submerged position. With the help of missiles in service, it is possible to destroy surface, coastal or underwater targets at various ranges.
The combat capabilities of the "Caliber-PL" complex have already been tested in practice. In early December last year, the submarine B-237 "Rostov-on-Don", while in the Mediterranean Sea, launched several missiles aimed at terrorist targets in Syria. All the targets were successfully destroyed, confirming the high technical characteristics of the missile system and the combat capabilities of the carrier submarine.
Based on the results of tests and operation of already built submarines, it was decided to extend the program for their construction in the interests of another operational-strategic association. Having completed work on the rearmament of the Black Sea Fleet, the shipbuilding industry - primarily the Admiralty Shipyards - will begin construction of a new series of submarines for the Pacific Fleet. The laying of the lead ship of this series should take place in the near future, shortly after the appearance of the corresponding contract. The fulfillment of these plans will make it possible to significantly renew the combat strength of the Pacific Fleet and will have a beneficial effect on its combat effectiveness.
