Lada class

   The Project 677 or Lada class is a diesel-electric patrol submarine, developed by the Rubin design bureau. It is an improved version of the Kilo class, fitted with an air-independent propulsion and new combat systems. It is claimed that the Lada class is much quieter than it's predecessor. It is worth mentioning that the Kilo class achieved respectable export sales. It's major operators are China, India and Iran.

   The lead boat was laid down at the Admiralty Shipyard in St. Petersburg in 1997 and launched in 2004. It is expected to be commissioned in 2010. The Admiralty Shipyard is building another three submarines of this class. Some sources claim that six submarines are planned by 2015.

   It is designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship defense of naval bases, costal installations and sea lanes, as well as patrol and surveillance tasks.

   The Lada class features a new anti-sonar coating for the hull resulting in low acoustic signature. Submarines are fitted with sophisticated sonar equipment with bow and flank arrays, as well as towed array.

   The Lada class has six 533-mm torpedo tubes for a mix of 18 torpedoes or tube-launched missiles. These include Alfa (NATO designation SS-N-27 Sizzler) multi-role cruise missiles, or Oniks (SS-N-26) anti-ship cruise missiles.

   This submarine class is fitted with a fuel cell plant, which gives air independent propulsion with oxygen/hydrogen fuel cells and electric/chemical generators. The AIP system increases the Lada class submerged endurance to 45 days. The submerged cruising range is 500 nautical miles (900 km) at 3 knots.

Variants

   Amur class, or Project 1650, a less capable version, designed for export. It is named after the Amur river. Design work has been completed for a whole family of submarines with a displacement of 550 to 1 850 tons and various weapon systems.