Russia subs with nuclear ballistic missiles to sail southern waters: Official

This file photo shows a Russian nuclear-powered Borei-class submarine.

Sun Jun 2, 2013 8:5AM GMT

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Russia is planning to deploy submarines equipped with nuclear ballistic missiles to southern international waters for the first time since the collapse of the former Soviet Union, a source in the Russian military says.

An official at the Russian General Staff, who asked to remain anonymous, told Itar-Tass news agency on Saturday that an expansion of Russia’s strategic submarine patrol area is going to start from 2014.

According to the source, once the nuclear submarines are in operation, the Russian Navy “will not only continue the patrolling of the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans,” but also the southern hemisphere.

“This would serve to solve the tasks of strategic nuclear deterrence not only across the North Pole but also the South Pole,” said the Russian source.

The first nuclear-powered Russian Borei-class submarine was put into service in January; and by the end of this year, two more vessels will be delivered to the navy.

By 2018, Russia has planned to have eight Borei vessels, which will form the core of its strategic submarine fleet.

In addition, the Russian navy will receive seven Yasen-class nuclear powered multipurpose attack submarines with the first one to start patrolling at the end of the year.