OVERVIEW: The PLARB-667B Delta I [Murena] is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) operated by the Russian Navy. Entering service in 1992, it represents a late production example of the Project 667B Murena (NATO reporting name: Delta I) class, designed primarily for strategic deterrence.

DETAILS: The Project 667B program emerged from the need to enhance the Soviet Union’s sea-based nuclear deterrent in the late 1960s. The design sought to significantly improve upon the preceding Project 667A (Yankee class) by enabling the launch of ballistic missiles from a submerged position within Soviet territorial waters, thus increasing survivability and reducing transit times to launch positions. The Delta I was the first in the series to feature this capability. Improvements focused on quieting measures, enhanced navigation systems, and, crucially, the ability to launch the newly developed R-29 (SS-N-8 Sawfly) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) while submerged. The Delta I class paved the way for the subsequent Delta II, III, and IV variants, each with progressively more advanced SLBMs and improved operational capabilities. The PLARB-667B designation indicates a Project 667B hull modified during construction or refit.

The primary role of the PLARB-667B is strategic nuclear deterrence. It carries a complement of SLBMs, enabling the delivery of nuclear warheads against strategic targets at extended ranges. While not designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) or anti-surface warfare (ASuW) roles, it retains limited self-defense capabilities against these threats. These self defense capabilities are primarily delivered via the 533mm and 400mm torpedo tubes which enable it to engage enemy submarines or surface combatants at close range. The PLARB-667B benefits from improved acoustic signature reduction compared to earlier Soviet SSBN designs, although it is less quiet than later generations of Russian SSBNs.

The vessel's sensor suite enables both strategic and tactical awareness. The Shark Teeth [MKG-100 Kerch] and Shark Fin [MKG-100 Kerch] represent active/passive sonar systems used for detecting and tracking surface and subsurface contacts, providing vital information for navigation and self-defense. The Brick Pulp [MRP-10] radar system is likely used for surface search and navigation. The Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] is a radio direction finding (RDF) system used to intercept and analyze enemy radio communications. The Generic Acoustic Intercept system further enhances the submarine's ability to passively monitor its environment. The Mine Avoidance [MG-14 Arfa-G] sonar is critical for safe navigation in heavily mined areas. Optical and LLTV periscopes support surface observation and targeting, particularly in situations where active sensors might compromise the submarine's position.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 139.0 m || Beam: 12.0 m || Draft: 8.8 m || Disp: 7800 t

SENSORS: Shark Teeth [MKG-100 Kerch] || Shark Fin [MKG-100 Kerch] || Brick Pulp [MRP-10] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mine Avoidance [MG-14 Arfa-G] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 533mm TT || SS-N-8 Sawfly Mod 2 SLBM || 400mm TT || Signal Ejector