ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, — June 13, 2026 : Russia has unveiled an upgraded configuration of its Amur-1650 diesel-electric submarine featuring a vertical launch system (VLS) capable of launching BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The model was presented by the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) during the Fleet-2026 International Maritime Defence Exhibition in St. Petersburg.
The unveiling highlights Russia’s efforts to market the Amur-1650 to international customers seeking conventional submarines with long-range precision strike capabilities.
BrahMos Vertical Launch Capability
The key feature of the showcased model is the integration of vertical launch cells capable of carrying BrahMos and Club-S cruise missiles. The VLS allows missiles to be launched while the submarine remains fully submerged, enabling strikes against both maritime and land targets.
The submarine can reportedly carry up to 28 weapons, including heavyweight torpedoes, cruise missiles, mines, and precision-guided munitions. Earlier versions of the project were designed to carry around 16 weapons.
BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia through BrahMos Aerospace, is based on technology derived from Russia’s P-800 Oniks missile family. The missile is designed for anti-ship and land-attack missions and has previously demonstrated submarine-launch capability during a successful underwater test in 2013.
Design and Performance
Developed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau, the Amur-1650 is the export version of Russia’s Project 677 Lada-class submarine and is promoted as a fourth-generation conventional submarine.
The updated design features a single-hull architecture, replacing the traditional Russian twin-hull configuration. According to developers, the design improves acoustic stealth and provides additional internal space for combat systems and equipment.
The submarine is designed to incorporate an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system and lithium-ion batteries, enabling longer submerged operations. Under optimal conditions, it can remain submerged for up to 40 days and has a total endurance of up to 60 days.
Specifications
According to the displayed model, the Amur-1650 has the following specifications:
- Surface displacement: approximately 1,765 tons
- Submerged displacement: approximately 3,000 tons
- Length: 66.8 meters
- Maximum diving depth: 300 meters
- Submerged speed: around 21 knots
- Crew: 35–42 personnel
- Armament: six 533 mm torpedo tubes and VLS cells for BrahMos or Club-S missiles
- Weapons capacity: up to 28 weapons
- Estimated unit cost: $400–450 million
Export Prospects
Russia has promoted the Amur-1650 to several countries, including India, which evaluated the submarine for its conventional submarine requirements before selecting the French-designed Scorpène-class under Project 75.
The submarine has also been offered to other international customers, including Morocco, which reportedly considered the platform in 2025. However, no contracts have been signed so far, and construction of export variants has not commenced.
The addition of a BrahMos-compatible vertical launch system is intended to strengthen the Amur-1650’s appeal in the international market, particularly among navies seeking conventional submarines with enhanced strike capabilities.
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