Summary: Russia is advancing its military capabilities despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, with plans to develop the Laika class, also known as the Husky-class, a fifth-generation nuclear-powered submarine expected to join the Russian Navy by 2030.

-This class, which is in the research and development phase, is designed for stealth and flexibility, featuring advanced weapons systems including the Tsirkon hypersonic missile.

-However, financial constraints and existing challenges within Russia's military infrastructure may impact the timeline and implementation of this ambitious project.

Russia Plans Advanced Laika 'Husky' Class Submarines Amid Ukraine Conflict

The war in Ukraine is not stopping the Kremlin from pursuing next-generation military programs. 

According to Russian state-run media, engineers are currently planning to produce a class of fifth-generation, nuclear-powered submarines. Designated the Laika class and nicknamed “Husky,” these stealthy vessels are meant to enter service with the Russian Navy by 2030. Details surrounding the new submarine class are sparse, but analysts have pieced together enough to provide a rough outline of the planned vessels. 

Introducing the Husky-Class Submarine

Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau first revealed in 2014 that it was developing a fifth-generation nuclear-powered submarine. The announcement preceded the introduction of the Russian Navy’s Yasen-M submarine variant, built by the same manufacturer. Two years later, the codename Husky was publicized, and the Russian Ministry of Defense penned a contract for the future development and production of the class. 

In 2019, TASS reported the class’ manufacturer had begun the research and development phase for the submarine, which was also given the moniker Laika. At the time, TASS provided few details. However, it noted that “the Tsirkon hypersonic missile will be among the ship’s strike weapons,” and that “the submarine will feature modular structure and a joint integrated combat management system with artificial intelligence.”

What We Know

The Tsirkon (also spelled Zircon) nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile was produced by NPO Mashinostroyeniya for the Russian Navy. Designated by NATO as SS-N-33, the powerful weapon reportedly has a top speed of Mach 9.0. According to the Kremlin, the missile is capable of destroying sea- and land-based targets within roughly 620 miles. If this information is accurate, the Russian weapon would be the fastest missile ever introduced.

Leaked illustrations of the new submarine indicate the ships will be equipped with four missile tubes that can hold four missiles each. Analysts believe that any combination of land-attack and anti-ship missiles can be included in this payload package. Besides the 3M22 Zircon, the main armaments that are expected to be included in the Husky class are the 3M-54 Kalibr and P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles. 

Each Husky-class ship will reportedly feature a displacement of 11,340 tons and a top speed of 35 knots. Leaked information suggests these submarines will contain composite materials throughout, including on control surfaces, the hull surface, and the propeller shaft. The images released by the class’ manufacturer show a submarine resembling the existing Akula-class design. However, the new ships feature X-form aft planes in addition to a longer and more blended sail. 

The class will include a traditional double-hull design. As detailed by Naval News, the Husky ships will also feature a chin-mounted sonar. Depictions of the Husky-class submarine indicate a lower tail member, hinting that the new ships could be intended for use in littoral waters.

Considering Moscow’s weak financial position as its war in Ukraine continues, chances are slim that this next-generation class will be built on time. Russia is already struggling to maintain its current military systems.

About the Author: Maya Carlin

Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. 

Image Credit: Creative Commons.