OVERVIEW: The PLARK-949A Oscar II [Antey] is a Russian Federation Navy nuclear-powered guided missile submarine (SSGN), commissioned in 2005.

DETAILS: The Oscar II class, known as Project 949A Antey in Russia, represents a significant evolution of Soviet-era submarine design focused on countering carrier battle groups. Development began in the late 1970s as a successor to the Project 949 Granit (Oscar I) class, incorporating improvements in acoustics, electronics, and weapon systems. The design prioritizes submerged speed, long-range anti-ship capability, and survivability in a high-threat environment. The distinctive twin-hull construction provides enhanced buoyancy and space for equipment, while the angled cruise missile tubes are a defining visual characteristic of the class. The Oscar II represents a key component of Russia’s strategic naval deterrent and power projection capabilities.

The primary role of the Oscar II is anti-surface warfare (ASuW), with a secondary capability for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The platform is designed to operate independently or in coordinated strikes against enemy surface combatants, particularly aircraft carriers and their escorts. The long range of the SS-N-19 Shipwreck anti-ship cruise missiles allows for engagement at standoff distances, reducing the submarine’s exposure to enemy defenses. Although primarily an ASuW platform, the Oscar II retains a significant ASW capability, utilising both torpedoes and its advanced sensor suite to detect and engage enemy submarines.

The PLARK-949A's effectiveness is significantly enhanced by its comprehensive sensor suite. The Shark Tail [Pelmida] passive towed array sonar provides long-range detection capabilities, while the Shark Gill [MGK-501 Skat-KS] hull-mounted sonar enables close-range tracking and target classification. The Rim Hat [Kremlin-2] fire control system integrates sensor data and guides the SS-N-19 Shipwreck missiles to their targets. The Snoop Pair [MRKP-58 Radian] radar is likely used for surface search and navigation. The Generic Acoustic Intercept system allows the submarine to passively monitor enemy communications. The Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] hydroacoustic warfare system allows for jamming of enemy sonars. Furthermore, the integration of both standard and low-light television submarine periscopes provides visual reconnaissance capabilities. The inclusion of both 533mm and 650mm torpedo tubes provides tactical flexibility in engaging a variety of targets.

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 || Signal Ejector || 650mm TT