OVERVIEW: The PLA-09851 [Khabarovsk] is a Russian Navy submarine, commissioned in 2021. Its precise classification remains subject to some debate within naval intelligence circles, though it is broadly considered a Project 09851 variant, designed for special missions and potentially as a carrier platform for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

DETAILS:
The PLA-09851's development history is closely tied to Russia's strategic interest in maintaining and advancing its underwater capabilities, particularly in the Arctic. The program likely originated from a need to replace aging platforms used for covert operations and to develop new capabilities centered on autonomous underwater systems. The design emphasizes stealth and endurance, incorporating advanced noise reduction techniques and potentially featuring a modular design allowing for mission-specific customization. It is believed the vessel is intended to support the operation of nuclear-powered, autonomous underwater vehicles, possibly including the Poseidon intercontinental nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed autonomous torpedo, though this remains unconfirmed by official sources. The large size and unique design suggest a departure from traditional submarine roles and an emphasis on supporting complex, long-duration underwater missions.

The primary role of the PLA-09851 is believed to be supporting special operations and strategic deterrence. This includes deploying and recovering special forces units, conducting clandestine intelligence gathering, and potentially serving as a platform for deploying and controlling UUVs in contested waters. The submarine's sensor suite, including the MGK-600B Amfora hull and towed arrays, enables long-range detection and tracking of surface and subsurface contacts, enhancing its situational awareness in complex underwater environments. While not primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), or anti-air warfare (AAW), its torpedo armament provides a self-defense capability.

The PLA-09851's effectiveness hinges on its advanced sensor suite and the integration of its mission-specific payloads. The MGK-600B Amfora sonar system, with both its hull-mounted and towed array components, provides a comprehensive underwater acoustic picture. The installation of the Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] electronic warfare support measures (ESM) system enhances its ability to detect and classify radar emissions from surface ships and aircraft. The Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] radar provides a limited surface search capability when operating at periscope depth. The presence of both Optical and Low-Light Television (LLTV) submarine periscopes further augments its surveillance capabilities. The 1600mm torpedo tubes are non-standard and are speculated to be designed for deploying large UUVs or specialized payloads. The standard 533mm torpedo tubes and MG-114 Berilly torpedoes provide a conventional self-defense capability against surface and subsurface threats.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 120.0 m || Beam: 15.0 m || Draft: 8.0 m || Disp: 10000 t

SENSORS: Park Lamp || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] || MGK-600B Amfora [Hull Array] || MGK-600B Amfora [Towed Array] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: MG-114 Berilly [6x TT] || 533mm TT || Signal Ejector || 1600mm TT