**OVERVIEW:** The PLA-671RT *Victor II* [Syomga] is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) commissioned by the Soviet Union in 1982. It represents a significant advancement in Soviet submarine technology, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.

**DETAILS:**

The *Victor II* class was developed in the late 1970s as an improvement over the earlier *Victor I* class. The design emphasized improved acoustic performance and increased operational capabilities. The project, designated Project 671RT, sought to create a quieter and more versatile submarine capable of effectively countering increasingly sophisticated Western submarines. The hull design incorporated advancements in hydrodynamics to minimize water resistance and noise generation. Improved internal machinery mounting and sound isolation techniques further reduced the submarine's acoustic signature, making it more difficult to detect. The *Syomga* designation reflects the specific configuration and upgrades applied to this particular unit.

The primary role of the *Victor II* was anti-submarine warfare, tasked with hunting and destroying enemy submarines, particularly ballistic missile submarines. However, it was also capable of anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missions, targeting enemy surface combatants. While secondary, a limited self-defense anti-air warfare (AAW) capability was present. The *Victor II* class typically operated independently or as part of a larger naval task force, providing a crucial offensive and defensive capability to the Soviet Navy. These submarines played a critical role in maintaining a strategic balance during the Cold War, representing a credible threat to Western naval assets.

The *Victor II*'s effectiveness was significantly enhanced by its advanced sensor suite and weapon systems. The 'Shark Teeth' [MGK-300 Rubin] sonar system provided long-range detection and tracking of underwater targets, while the 'Shark Sail' sonar, likely a component of the same MGK-300 suite, offered improved detection capabilities from the sail. The 'Mine Avoidance' [MG-509 Radian-1] sonar facilitated safe navigation in mine-infested waters. The 'Park Lamp' radar system was likely used for surface search and navigation. The 'Brick Pulp' [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] electronic warfare support measures (ESM) system provided the capability to detect and analyze enemy radar emissions. The 'Snoop Tray 2' [MRK-50 Kaskad] system likely offered improved communications capabilities. The boat was also equipped with optical and low-light television periscopes for visual observation. Armament consisted of a mix of 533mm and 650mm torpedo tubes, capable of launching a variety of torpedoes and possibly anti-ship missiles. The inclusion of a SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] mast launcher provided a limited, but crucial, self-defense AAW capability against aerial threats. Signal Ejectors were used for the launch of countermeasures and decoys.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 101.8 m || Beam: 10.8 m || Draft: 7.3 m || Disp: 4700 t

**SENSORS:** Shark Teeth [MGK-300 Rubin] || Park Lamp || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Shark Sail [MGK-300 Rubin] || Mine Avoidance [MG-509 Radian-1] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

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