A ceremonial launch of the K-563 Ulyanovsk took place in Severodvinsk. Construction lasted exactly nine years, from the submarine's keel-laying on July 28, 2017, to its launch on July 28, 2026.
The launch, however, does not mark the completion of the vessel. The submarine will now undergo an extended fitting-out period afloat before beginning sea trials, the final stage before entering operational service.
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Project 885M Yasen-M submarines are among the russian Navy's most heavily armed attack submarines. Each is equipped with eight vertical launch modules capable of carrying either 40 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles (five missiles per launcher) or 32 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missiles or P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles (four missiles per launcher).
In addition, the submarines are armed with ten 533 mm torpedo tubes and can carry up to 30 torpedoes. A Yasen-M submarine is approximately 139 meters long, has a submerged displacement of 13,800 tonnes, and is operated by a crew of 90.
The class has an endurance of around 100 days, can dive to depths of up to 600 meters, and reaches speeds of 31 knots (about 57 km/h) while submerged. Propulsion is provided by a 50,000-horsepower electric motor powered by a 200 MW nuclear reactor.
At present, russia operates four Project 885M Yasen-M submarines and one original Project 885 Yasen submarine. Two additional Yasen-M boats, including the K-563 Ulyanovsk, have now been launched but have not yet entered service.
Three more Yasen-M submarines are currently under construction, while another boat is planned. In total, russia intends to field 11 Project 885/885M Yasen-class submarines. Of those, seven have either entered service or been launched.
However, that number may eventually increase. russia views the Yasen/Yasen-M family as the long-term replacement for its aging Soviet-era nuclear attack submarines that remain in service.
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