OVERVIEW: The PLARK-949A Oscar II [Antey] is a nuclear-powered guided missile submarine (SSGN) designed for long-range anti-surface warfare.

DETAILS:
The Oscar II class, designated Project 949A Antey by the Soviet Union, represents a significant evolution in Soviet submarine design, building upon the earlier Project 949 Granit (Oscar I) class. Development was initiated in the late 1970s with the goal of creating a platform capable of effectively countering U.S. Navy carrier battle groups. The Antey class featured a strengthened double-hull construction providing enhanced survivability against depth charges and torpedoes, as well as allowing for operations under Arctic ice. The design prioritised speed and long-range missile capability, intended to saturate enemy defenses with a coordinated missile strike. The commissioning year of 1986 places this unit firmly within the latter stages of the Cold War, reflecting the ongoing naval competition between the Soviet Union and the United States.

The primary operational role of the PLARK-949A is anti-surface warfare (ASuW), specifically targeting aircraft carriers and other high-value surface combatants. The vessel is also capable of limited anti-submarine warfare (ASW), although its primary sensor suite and armament are geared towards surface targets. The SA-N-8 Gremlin mast launcher provides a limited self-defence capability against aerial threats. The presence of multiple torpedo tubes, including both 533mm and 650mm calibers, allows for a flexible response to underwater and surface threats. The Signal Ejector provides a means of communication and decoy deployment.

The PLARK-949A boasts a comprehensive sensor suite. The Shark Tail [Pelmida] is a towed array sonar intended for long-range detection of surface vessels. The Rim Hat [Kremlin-2] navigation system allows for precise positioning and navigation, critical for effective targeting and deployment. The Shark Gill [MGK-501 Skat-KS] sonar complex provides a range of sonar capabilities, including active and passive detection. The Snoop Pair [MRKP-58 Radian] radar is employed for surface search and missile guidance. The Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] sonar intercepts enemy sonar transmissions allowing it to identify the position and classification of hostile submarines and surface ships. The optical and LLTV submarine periscopes provide visual observation capabilities, while the acoustic intercept system is designed to detect and analyze enemy sonar signals.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 154.0 m || Beam: 18.2 m || Draft: 9.0 m || Disp: 13900 t

SENSORS: Shark Tail [Pelmida] || Rim Hat [Kremlin-2] || Shark Gill [MGK-501 Skat-KS] || Snoop Pair [MRKP-58 Radian] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: SS-N-19 Shipwreck || SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] Mast Launcher || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || 650mm TT || Signal Ejector