OVERVIEW: The PLASN-9852 [Belgorod] is a submarine of Russian origin, commissioned in 2018. Its design incorporates a unique configuration allowing for specialized operations and payload delivery.

DETAILS: The PLASN-9852 [Belgorod] is believed to be a heavily modified variant of the Oscar II-class submarine, designed with specific mission profiles in mind. Its development likely involved significant hull lengthening to accommodate specialized equipment and payloads not found on standard Oscar II boats. This alteration suggests a shift away from purely anti-shipping roles and toward more clandestine operations, potentially involving deep-sea intervention, intelligence gathering, or support for other underwater assets. The exact history and circumstances surrounding its construction remain somewhat opaque, reflecting the sensitive nature of its likely missions. The design emphasizes both stealth and operational flexibility, incorporating modern acoustic quieting measures and a modular payload bay capable of being reconfigured based on operational requirements.

The primary role of the Belgorod is unlikely to be traditional anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-air warfare (AAW), or anti-surface warfare (ASuW), although it retains a limited self-defense capability. Instead, it is believed to serve as a platform for special operations and deep-sea research. This could involve deploying smaller submersibles for seabed infrastructure manipulation, intelligence gathering, or supporting covert military operations. The vessel may also be used for testing and deploying novel underwater systems, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and other advanced technologies. The presence of the 1600mm torpedo tubes strongly suggests the deployment of specialized underwater vehicles, likely for strategic missions. The 533mm torpedo tubes provide a secondary anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability.

The vessel's sensor suite provides adequate situational awareness for its intended role. The Shark Rib [MGK-540 Skat-3] and Shark Gill [MGK-540 Skat-3] sonars provide active and passive detection capabilities for locating submarines and surface vessels. The Rim Hat [Kremlin-2] navigation radar assists with surface navigation and target acquisition. The Snoop Pair [MRKP-58 Radian] radar is used for general surface surveillance and air target detection at close ranges. The inclusion of Generic Acoustic Intercept equipment enhances the vessel’s ability to detect and classify other underwater contacts based on their acoustic signatures. The Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] radar warning receiver provides warning of incoming radar emissions from hostile platforms. The twin periscopes, one optical and the other LLTV-equipped, allow for visual surveillance and targeting in both day and low-light conditions. The SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] mast launcher provides a limited self-defense capability against low-flying aircraft.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 154.0 m || Beam: 18.2 m || Draft: 9.0 m || Disp: 13900 t

SENSORS: Shark Rib [MGK-540 Skat-3] || Rim Hat [Kremlin-2] || Shark Gill [MGK-540 Skat-3] || Snoop Pair [MRKP-58 Radian] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] Mast Launcher || Signal Ejector || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || 1600mm TT