IRIA News

4 minute read

Russia launched the first nuclear-powered submarine equipped with Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles. The Perm is the sixth vessel in the Yasen-class Project 885/885M family and is expected to be commissioned into the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet next year.

The launch ceremony took place at the renowned Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, where Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the achievements of the nation’s naval forces and shipbuilders. “I congratulate you, all the naval sailors and shipbuilders of Russia, on this great, milestone event,” he said.

“Today in Severodvinsk, at the legendary Sevmash, a new multipurpose nuclear submarine Perm is being launched. We continue serial production of modern submarine missile carriers, and this is already the fifth nuclear submarine of the Yasen-M project. Next year, it should join the Navy and begin performing combat missions,” he added.

The Perm represents a leap forward in Russia’s naval capability, as it is not only a product of the modernized Yasen-M design but also the first of its class to feature the cutting-edge Zircon hypersonic missile.

Unlike previous Russian nuclear attack submarines, the Yasen and Yasen-M vessels are multi-role platforms. They are designed to strike both naval and land-based targets using vertically launched cruise missiles, while still maintaining their traditional hunter-killer role. This versatility is a critical upgrade as Russia aims to replace its aging Akula and Oscar-class submarines with five Yasen-class vessels already in active service.

Zircon hypersonic missile

One of the key technological advancements featured on the Perm is the Zircon hypersonic missile. With a reported range of 500 to 1,000 kilometers, depending on its flight trajectory, and a speed of Mach 8, approaching nearly 9,900 kilometers (6,138 miles) per hour, the missile is poised to become one of the fastest in the world.

“If that information is accurate, the Zircon missile would be the fastest in the world, making it nearly impossible to defend against due to its speed alone,” the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, a non-profit organization advocating the development and deployment of missile defense, reported.

The missile’s design includes a “plasma cloud” that envelops it during flight, effectively absorbing radio waves and rendering it invisible to radar detection by current air defense systems.

Strategic implications

The strategic implications of this development are significant. The Perm’s introduction into the fleet enhances Russia’s ability to project power across vast maritime distances. Its capability to carry hypersonic missiles not only deters adversaries but also provides a robust countermeasure against potential threats in contested regions. The modernization of its submarine fleet comes at a time when global military dynamics are rapidly evolving, and nations are increasingly investing in next-generation defense systems.

Further elevating the profile of the Perm is its role as a multipurpose platform. In addition to its advanced missile capabilities, the vessel is designed to perform a range of missions, from traditional anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare to land-attack operations. This flexibility ensures that Russia can respond to a variety of tactical scenarios and reinforces its strategic objectives in key regions, particularly in the Pacific, where it is set to join the fleet next year.

Technical details

While specific technical details about the Perm remain classified, its predecessor, the Arkhangelsk, provides some context for the vessel’s size and design. The Arkhangelsk measures approximately 130 meters in length with a hull diameter of 13 meters, indicating that the Perm is built to similar, if not enhanced, dimensions to accommodate the new missile systems.

The deployment of the Zircon missile on the Perm also comes amidst reports of its combat use in Ukraine. In February 2024, debris recovered following an attack on Kyiv was claimed by the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise to be consistent with a Zircon missile strike. Although Russia has not officially confirmed the missile’s use in combat, the incident underscores the growing operational relevance of hypersonic technology in modern warfare.

The launch of the Perm not only marks a technological and strategic milestone for Russia’s naval forces but also signals a shift in the global balance of power. With advanced systems like the Zircon missile now at its disposal, the Russian Navy is set to enhance its deterrence capabilities significantly.

This development is a clear demonstration of Russia’s commitment to modernizing its military infrastructure and maintaining a formidable presence in the world’s oceans in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.