Naval Systems

Borei-class submarine

The Borei-class submarine is Russia's Project 955/A nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarine family, built by Sevmash and designed by Rubin. NTI describes the class as 170 meters long, capable of 29 knots submerged, and armed with 16 Bulava SLBMs, while the improved Borei-A boats add quieter propulsion and updated control systems.

Profile

Origin
Russia
Built by
Sevmash
Type
Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)
Service note
1996-present
Designer
Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering
Designed
1990s
Produced
1996-present
Number built
Eight in service as of 2024, five of them Borei-A
Variants
Project 955 Borei, Project 955A Borei-A, Project 955K Borei-K

Also Known As

  • Borei
  • Borey
  • Project 955
  • Project 955A
  • Borei-A
  • Dolgorukiy-class submarine

Specifications

Length
170 m
Beam
13.5 m
Speed
Up to 29 knots submerged
Armament
16 RSM-56 Bulava SLBMs and torpedo tubes
Propulsion
Nuclear-powered with pump-jet propulsion
Test depth
About 450 m

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
The class remains the backbone of Russia's sea-based nuclear deterrent, with Borei and Borei-A boats in active Russian Navy service.
Used by
Russian Navy

Conflict Usage

Side
🏳️Unspecified

Open-source reporting documents Borei-class boats as active Russian strategic ballistic-missile submarines and covers service entry, test launches, and fleet modernization, but not a specific post-2015 combat theater for this class page.

Timeline

Borei-class submarine Key Events

  1. First launched

    NTI says the Borei-class program first launched in 1996, beginning the modern Russian SSBN replacement line.

    Sources: Russia Submarine Capabilities

  2. Knyaz Vladimir laid down

    Sevmash says the lead Borei-A boat was laid down at the shipyard on 30 July 2012.

    Sources: Knyaz Vladimir enters service

  3. First Bulava launch from Knyaz Vladimir

    Sevmash reports that the submarine completed its first test launch of the Bulava sea-based ballistic missile in the White Sea.

    Sources: Knyaz Vladimir enters service

  4. Knyaz Vladimir enters service

    Sevmash marked the raising of the Andreevsky flag on Project 955A Knyaz Vladimir, describing it as the lead ship of the improved Borei line.

    Sources: Knyaz Vladimir enters service

Borei-class submarine Images

Related Weapon Systems

Sources