OVERVIEW: The PLARB-955 Borei [Borey] is a Russian Federation Navy nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), representing the fourth generation of Russian strategic submarine development.

DETAILS: The Borei class was conceived in the late 1980s as a replacement for the aging Typhoon and Delta-IV class SSBNs, incorporating significant noise reduction technology and advanced weaponry. Design work was undertaken by the Rubin Design Bureau. The collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent economic difficulties delayed the program considerably, forcing design modifications including a shift from the originally planned SS-NX-28 solid-fuel SLBM to the SS-N-32 Bulava missile. This change was necessitated by the unavailability of the original missile and required a significant redesign of the submarine's missile compartment. The lead boat, Yuri Dolgoruky (K-535), was laid down in 1996 and commissioned in 2012, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of Russia's strategic nuclear deterrent. The Borei class represents a significant improvement in stealth, firepower, and operational effectiveness compared to its predecessors.

The primary role of the Borei-class submarine is to serve as a strategic nuclear deterrent platform, capable of delivering nuclear strikes against land-based targets. While its primary focus is strategic deterrence, the Borei class retains a limited anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, owing to its advanced sonar suite and torpedo armament. It can also engage surface targets using torpedoes. The boats are designed to operate in the Arctic region, capable of launching missiles from under the ice.

The PLARB-955 utilizes the MGK-600B Amfora sonar suite, which includes a hull-mounted array, a towed array, and flank arrays. This comprehensive system provides enhanced detection, tracking, and classification capabilities against both submarines and surface vessels. The towed array, in particular, extends the submarine's detection range in noisy environments. The installation of the Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] sonar allows for mine detection and avoidance. Target acquisition is enhanced by the Generic Submarine Periscope fitted with optical and LLTV (Low Light Television) systems for visual identification of targets at periscope depth. The integration of the Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] and Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] radar systems enables surface search and navigation. The vessel’s primary strike capability resides in the SS-N-32 SLBM, while the six 533mm torpedo tubes, capable of launching MG-114 Berilly torpedoes, provide a self-defense capability against enemy submarines and surface ships.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 160.0 m || Beam: 13.6 m || Draft: 9.7 m || Disp: 16000 t

SENSORS: Park Lamp || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] || MGK-600B Amfora [Hull Array] || MGK-600B Amfora [Towed Array] || MGK-600B Amfora [Flank Array] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: MG-114 Berilly [6x TT] || SS-N-32 SLBM || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || Signal Ejector