Russia begins construction of Maloyaroslavets Lada-class submarine

Russia has commenced construction on the Maloyaroslavets, the sixth Project 677 Lada-class diesel-electric submarine. The keel-laying ceremony took place on August 27 at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg, managed by the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC).

Designed by the Rubin Design Bureau, the Lada-class is intended to modernize Russia's conventional submarine fleet. The class features a single-hull configuration, improved automation, advanced sonar, and a reduced acoustic signature to enhance stealth capabilities. The Maloyaroslavets is the fifth serial-production vessel in the program, following the prototype Sankt-Peterburg and subsequent boats like the Kronstadt and Velikiye Luki.

The Lada-class is envisioned as a successor to the Soviet-era Kilo-class. The new vessels are expected to have a submerged displacement of approximately 2,700 tons, a maximum submerged speed of 21 knots, and a diving depth of 300 metres. Russia aims to eventually construct a total of nine Lada-class submarines as part of its long-term naval development strategy.