Russia’s new multi-purpose cruise missile submarine conducts missile firing in the White Sea, November 2024.
Yasen class SSGN “Arkhangelsk” conducted a certification firing in the White Sea, 17 November 2024. This is a key milestone ahead of joining the Northern Fleet in December 2024.
Russian Navy new construction Pr.885M Severodvinsk class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine (SSGN) K-564 “Arkhangelsk” highly likely conducted a certification firing of a Oniks (NATO: SS-N-26) and/or Kalibr class (NATO: SS-N-27/30) cruise missile overnight on 16/17 November 2024.
The firing was carried out within announced maritime closure (PRIP) and NOTAM areas issued for Dvina Bay and Mezen Bay. Pr.885M K-564 Arkhangelsk, was almost certainly located in the southern part of Dvina Bay and conducted a SW-NE orientation, probable waypoint firing, over sea and land towards a littoral target located near Chiza, in the north-western sector of Mezen Bay.
K-564 Arkhangelsk, the fifth unit of the Yasen class (Project 885/M) class, was launched on 29 November 2023 at the Sevmash Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) located in the White Sea port of Severodvinsk. K-564 commenced initial sea trials during June 2024 and in August 2024, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev indicated that Russian Navy will receive the Borei-A class (Project 955A) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine “Knyaz Pozharsky” and Pr.885M Arkhangelsk by the end of 2024.
A weapon certification firing is a key milestone and a successful missile firing is a very strong indicator that K-564 Arkhangelsk trials programme is proceeding according to plan therefore, it is highly likely she will be commissioned into the Northern Fleet as planned at the end of 2024.
For more information on the Yasen class submarines please see the Covert Shores entry by HI Sutton HERE