Russia Launches Project 885M Yasen-M Nuclear Submarine K-563 Ulyanovsk

Key Facts

• Launch Date: 28 July 2026
• Shipyard: Sevmash, Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia
• Submarine Name and Designation: K-563 Ulyanovsk, Project 885M Yasen-M class
• Laid down (Start of Construction): 28 July 2017
• Armament:
  • Eight vertical launch modules and ten 533 mm torpedo tubes
  • Missile Load: Up to 40 Kalibr cruise missiles or 32 Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missiles and Oniks cruise missiles
  • Up to 30 heavyweight torpedoes can also be carried
• Service Entry Expected: December 2027 with the Russian Northern Fleet
• Roles:
  • Anti-submarine warfare
  • Anti-surface warfare
  • Intelligence collection
  • Mine deployment
  • Missile strikes against maritime and land targets

Background & Context

Russia’s Project 885 and Project 885M submarines make up a fourth-generation multi-role nuclear-powered attack submarine family. The original Project 885 Yasen class began with the K-560 Severodvinsk, while the Project 885M Yasen-M variant is an improved and more advanced version with enhanced stealth features and integration capabilities for hypersonic missiles such as the Tsirkon. The K-563 Ulyanovsk is the seventh submarine in the Yasen series and the sixth serial-built Yasen-M unit.

The Tsirkon missile is a Russian hypersonic cruise missile capable of carrying a tactical nuclear warhead, enhancing the offensive power of these submarines. The Yasen-M class submarines are designed to carry diverse missile loads and heavy torpedoes for multiple naval warfare roles. They support both offensive strike missions and the protection of Russian ballistic missile submarine assets.

The Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, is Russia’s primary facility for constructing these advanced submarines, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to modernize its naval forces.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The launch of the K-563 Ulyanovsk and its class advances Russia's underwater warfare technology, significant for understanding modern naval power balances and strategic capabilities. Exam questions often cover aspects like the types of missiles (Kalibr, Tsirkon, Oniks), submarine classes (Project 885 vs. 885M), shipyard locations (Sevmash in Severodvinsk), specific submarine names, launch and service dates, and roles of such submarines in national defense.

Points to Remember

• Project 885 is the original Yasen class; Project 885M is an improved Yasen-M variant.
• K-563 Ulyanovsk is the seventh submarine in the Yasen series and the sixth serial-built Yasen-M class vessel.
• The Tsirkon missile is a hypersonic cruise missile that can carry tactical nuclear warheads.
• Sevmash shipyard is located in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia.
• The submarine is expected to enter service with the Russian Northern Fleet by December 2027.
• Roles include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering, mine deployment, and missile strikes on maritime and land targets.