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BULGARIA MILITARY
The Project 636.3 Rostov-on-Don diesel-electric submarine, which suffered damage during a missile attack on Sevastopol last year, is now out of the dock and continues its repair work. According to a source from the Russian defense industry, repairs are progressing.
Having been moved from the dock to the equipment wall, the Rostov-on-Don submarine is receiving further repairs. While there is no exact timeline for when this diesel-electric submarine will resume service, recent updates suggest it may be soon. Local shipbuilders, working in tandem with specialists from the Admiralty Shipyards, are handling the repairs. A source cited by TASS mentioned, “Some time ago, the submarine successfully left the dock, and its repairs continue on the water.”
To recap, on September 13, 2023, Ukrainian armed forces launched a missile attack on Sevastopol, resulting in damage to the Sevastopol Shipyard, the amphibious assault ship “Minsk,” and the Rostov-on-Don submarine, which was undergoing repair. Fortunately, the submarine didn’t sustain critical damage to its durable hull, though the planned repair schedule has been extended.
The Rostov-on-Don is the second in a series of six Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarines built for the Black Sea Fleet by the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. It was laid down on November 21, 2011, launched on June 26, 2014, and began factory sea trials on October 21, 2014, before officially entering the fleet on December 27, 2014.
The Russian submarine Rostov-on-Don is an improved version of the Kilo-class submarines. This class is known for its stealth capabilities and is often referred to by NATO as the ‘Improved Kilo’ class.
In terms of dimensions, the Rostov-on-Don measures approximately 74 meters [242 feet] in length, with a beam of 9.9 meters [32 feet] and a draft of 6.2 meters [20 feet]. These dimensions contribute to its streamlined design, enhancing its underwater maneuverability and stealth.
The propulsion system of the Rostov-on-Don is diesel-electric, consisting of two diesel generators and an electric motor. This setup allows the submarine to achieve a maximum speed of around 20 knots [37 km/h] when submerged and 10-12 knots [19-22 km/h] when surfaced.
The displacement of the Rostov-on-Don is approximately 3,100 tons when surfaced and around 3,950 tons when submerged. This relatively moderate displacement allows for a balance between size and operational capabilities.
Technically, the Rostov-on-Don is equipped with advanced sonar and electronic warfare systems. It features a modern inertial navigation system and an automated combat control system, which enhance its operational efficiency and situational awareness.
The crew size of the Rostov-on-Don typically consists of around 52 personnel, including officers and enlisted sailors. This relatively small crew size is facilitated by the submarine’s automated systems, which reduce the need for manual operation.
In terms of control systems, the Rostov-on-Don is equipped with both manual and automated systems for navigation, weapons control, and damage control. These systems ensure that the submarine can operate effectively in a variety of conditions and scenarios.
The Rostov-on-Don is armed with a variety of weapons, including torpedoes, mines, and Kalibr cruise missiles. These weapons enable the submarine to engage both surface and underwater targets, as well as land-based targets if necessary.
The maximum depth of immersion for the Rostov-on-Don is reported to be around 300 meters [984 feet]. This depth allows the submarine to evade detection and operate effectively in deep-water environments.
The maximum stay underwater for the Rostov-on-Don is limited by its air and battery capacity. Typically, the submarine can remain submerged for up to 45 days, depending on the mission profile and operational conditions.