OVERVIEW: The PLARB-667A Yankee I [Navaga] is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) operated by the Russian Navy. Entering service in 1992, it represents a modified variant of the earlier Project 667A (Yankee) class, adapted for specialized missions beyond its original strategic deterrence role.

DETAILS: The Project 667A Yankee class submarines were originally conceived in the late 1950s as the Soviet Union's first generation of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines capable of directly threatening targets within the continental United States. Production spanned from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s. The PLARB-667A Yankee I represents a conversion of an existing Yankee-class submarine, likely modified to act as a test platform for new technologies or to serve in a non-strategic role. These conversions usually involved removing the original missile compartment and installing specialized equipment. The specific modifications undertaken on the PLARB-667A remain largely classified, but are believed to have included significant upgrades to its sensor suite and internal systems, including improvements to acoustic signature reduction.

The primary role of the PLARB-667A Yankee I likely shifted away from strategic nuclear deterrence to encompass covert intelligence gathering, special operations support, and potentially anti-submarine warfare (ASW) technology testing. The installation of advanced sonar systems, such as the Shark Teeth [MKG-100 Kerch] and Shark Fin [MKG-100 Kerch], suggests an enhanced underwater surveillance capability, allowing for passive detection and tracking of enemy submarines. The Snoop Tray 1 [RLK-101 Albatross] radar system provides surface search and navigation capabilities. The presence of the Brick Pulp [MRP-10] electronic warfare support measures (ESM) system allows for the detection, identification, and analysis of enemy radar emissions. The Mine Avoidance [MG-14 Arfa-G] suite facilitates navigation in mine-threatened waters, improving survivability in contested areas.

The combination of 533mm and 400mm torpedo tubes provides the vessel with offensive capability against both surface and subsurface targets. While the SS-N-6 Serb Mod 1 SLBM is listed, its continued presence and operational status after the conversion is questionable. It is likely retained for testing or training purposes if still onboard. The generic acoustic intercept system enhances the vessel's ability to monitor underwater communications, and the optical and LLTV periscopes offer visual surveillance capabilities in both daylight and low-light conditions. The Signal Ejector would be used for deploying countermeasures and communication buoys. These modifications indicate a deliberate effort to repurpose a legacy platform into a more versatile and capable asset within the Russian Navy, extending its operational lifespan and contributing to a wider range of naval missions.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 128.0 m || Beam: 11.7 m || Draft: 7.9 m || Disp: 7770 t

SENSORS: Shark Teeth [MKG-100 Kerch] || Shark Fin [MKG-100 Kerch] || Park Lamp || Snoop Tray 1 [RLK-101 Albatross] || Brick Pulp [MRP-10] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mine Avoidance [MG-14 Arfa-G] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 533mm TT || SS-N-6 Serb Mod 1 SLBM || 400mm TT || Signal Ejector