New Russian Submarines To Carry 16 ICBMs

The Russian Navy's new Borei-955 class submarines will each carry 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).

Of the eight planned new Borei submarines, only the "Yury Dolgoruky" has been commissioned.

Russian media reported on April 13 that original designs called for the new submarines to carry 20 ICBMs but technicians said the additional ICBMs would require extending the hull by 10 meters and making other modifications that would hamper the vessel's maneuverability.

News agency Interfax cited an unnamed source in the Russian defense industry as saying: "16 missiles are enough to deliver a nuclear strike. What is more important is to be able to clandestinely reach an attack position and launch missiles on designated targets."

Of the eight planned new Borei submarines, only the "Yury Dolgoruky" has been commissioned and the "Aleksandr Nevsky," after delays, is due to be transferred to the fleet next year.

RFERL