Russia Commissions Final Kilo-Class Submarine ‘Yakutsk’ for Pacific Fleet

The Russian Navy has officially welcomed its newest diesel-electric submarine, Yakutsk, into service, marking the completion of the Project 636.3 submarine series for the Pacific Fleet. The handover ceremony took place on June 11, 2025, at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg, attended by senior naval officials and shipbuilders.

During the ceremony, Admiral Vladimir Vorobyov, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, addressed the crew, urging them to serve with dedication and carry out their future missions with honor. The acceptance of Yakutsk not only strengthens Russia’s submarine force but also marks the end of a significant construction program that began several years ago.

About the Project 636.3 Kilo-Class Submarines

Known by NATO as the "Improved Kilo-class," Project 636.3 submarines are an advanced version of the earlier Kilo-class boats. These submarines are recognized for their low acoustic signature, earning them the nickname “Black Holes” in naval circles due to how difficult they are to detect underwater.

They are designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface ship warfare (ASuW), and intelligence-gathering operations, with the ability to deploy land-attack cruise missiles.

Specifications of Yakutsk (Project 636.3 Kilo-Class)

• Displacement:

  • Surfaced: approx. 2,350 tons

  • Submerged: approx. 3,950 tons

• Length: 73.8 meters

• Beam: 9.9 meters

• Draft: 6.2 meters

• Propulsion:

  • Diesel-electric with one shaft

  • 2 × diesel generators

  • 1 × electric motor

  • 1 × standby electric motor

• Speed:

  • Surfaced: 17 knots

  • Submerged: 20 knots

• Range:

  • 7,500 nautical miles at 7 knots

• Endurance:

  • 45 days

• Diving Depth:

  • Operational: up to 240 meters

  • Maximum: 300 meters

• Crew: 52 personnel

• Armament:

  • 6 × 533 mm torpedo tubes

  • Can carry 18 torpedoes or a mix of torpedoes and Kalibr-PL cruise missiles

  • Capable of laying naval mines

• Sensors and Systems:

  • Advanced sonar suite

  • Electronic warfare support systems

  • Periscopes with infrared and low-light capabilities

  • Integrated combat control system

Operational Importance

Yakutsk is the sixth and final submarine built for the Pacific Fleet under this program. The previous five submarines — Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Volkhov, Magadan, Ufa, and Mozhaisk — have been gradually deployed to the Russian Far East. With its arrival, the Pacific Fleet now has a full squadron of six modern Kilo-class submarines, enhancing Russia’s strategic underwater capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

This addition comes at a time when global maritime tensions are on the rise, and Russia has been stepping up its naval operations, particularly in the Pacific. Although no official timeline has been announced for Yakutsk’s transfer voyage to its new homeport, it is expected to soon join its sister submarines at the Primorskaya Flotilla.

A Significant Milestone for Russian Shipbuilding

The completion of Yakutsk also marks the twelfth Project 636.3 submarine delivered by Admiralty Shipyards to the Russian Navy since the program began. It underscores Russia’s continued focus on maintaining a capable, modern submarine fleet for both regional defense and global deterrence.

With its stealth, long-range cruise missile capability, and advanced sensors, Yakutsk is set to play a vital role in Russia's maritime strategy in the years ahead.