Last Delfin class nuclear sub launched in Severodvinsk

(Rusnavy): Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center (Severodvinsk) launched the last Project 667BDRM Delfin nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) K-407 Novomoskovsk undergone interim overhaul and modernization, reports ITAR-TASS. The submarine has been under repairs at the shipyard slipways since Apr 2007. Novomoskovsk will start mooring and sea trials in the nearest future. The recommission of the sub into Russian Navy is scheduled in 2012.

As a result of upgrade, the submarine's silence, damage control and nuclear safety characteristics have been improved as well as detectability of enemy subs. Totally, over one hundred systems were modernized, including the missile arms. The submarine is armed with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) R-29RMU2 Sineva adopted in 2007.

SSBN Novomoskovsk serves within Northern Fleet (NF) 3rd strategic submarine flotilla and is based in Yagelnaya Bay. This is the sixth Delfin class submarine upgraded by Zvezdochka. Earlier on, the shipyard repaired and modernized K-51 Verkhoturye, K-84 Yekaterinburg, K-114 Tula, K-117 Bryansk and K-18 Karelia. The latter one was recommissioned into Russian Navy late Jan 2010. After delivery of Novomoskovsk, modernization of all Project 667BDRM submarines will be completed.

Project 667BDRM submarines are 167 meters in length, 12 meters in beam, and have displacement of about 19,000 tons. Delfin class subs are capable to dive down to 400 meters and have the speed of up to 24 knots. Submarines are armed with 16 ballistic missiles.