OVERVIEW: The PLARK-670M Charlie II [Skat-M] is a Soviet/Russian Project 670M *Skat-M* (Charlie II-class) cruise missile submarine.

DETAILS: The Project 670M *Skat-M* (NATO designation Charlie II) was a successor to the Project 670 *Skat* (Charlie I) nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine. Development focused on improved acoustic performance, enhanced missile systems, and increased operational range. The design incorporated lessons learned from the Charlie I class and aimed to counter the growing threat of Western carrier battle groups and surface combatants. A key design element was the angled launch tubes for the SS-N-9 *Siren* anti-ship missiles, allowing for rapid firing while submerged. The class entered service in the late Cold War, with PLARK-670M commissioned in 1992, representing one of the final units of this class built before the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The type has since served with the Russian Navy, though numbers have dwindled.

The primary role of the Charlie II was anti-surface warfare (ASuW), specifically targeting enemy warships, especially aircraft carriers, with its SS-N-9 cruise missiles. Secondary roles included anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and reconnaissance. The submarine was designed to operate independently or as part of a naval task force, providing a potent offensive capability against surface targets. With the gradual obsolescence of the SS-N-9 and the evolution of naval doctrine, the role of the Charlie II shifted somewhat towards broader area denial and limited ASW operations, utilizing its torpedo armament. The class's relatively quiet operation compared to its predecessor, coupled with its missile payload, made it a significant threat in the confined waters of the Norwegian Sea and the Mediterranean.

The PLARK-670M is equipped with a suite of sensors to detect and track targets. The Shark Gill [MGK-400 Rubikon] sonar provides long-range detection and classification of underwater contacts, while the Stop Light B [Nakat] radar system is likely a surface search radar for navigation and detecting surface targets at short ranges when surfaced. The Park Lamp system’s function is not definitively known, but it is possibly a component of the vessel's electronic warfare suite. The Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa] sonar system provides additional acoustic intercept capability. The Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] is an electronic support measures (ESM) system for detecting and analyzing radar emissions. The Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] is a radio direction finding (RDF) system likely used for communications interception. The Acoustic Intercept [MG-53] system provides passive sonar capabilities. The Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical and Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV provide visual and low-light vision for surface surveillance and target identification. The six 533mm torpedo tubes enable the launch of a variety of torpedoes for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. The SS-N-9 Siren tubes provide a significant anti-ship missile strike capability, enabling the submarine to engage surface combatants at stand-off ranges. The Signal Ejector is used for deploying countermeasures and decoys.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 103.0 m || Beam: 10.0 m || Draft: 8.0 m || Disp: 4300 t

SENSORS: Shark Gill [MGK-400 Rubikon] || Stop Light B [Nakat] || Park Lamp || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa] || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Acoustic Intercept [MG-53] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 533mm TT || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || SS-N-9 Siren Tubes || Signal Ejector