Russian Navy Welcomes Newest Addition: Project 955A Submarine “Prince Pozharsky”

The Russian Navy has expanded its fleet with the addition of the Knyaz Pozharsky, a nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine of Project 955A, also known as Borei-A. The formal ceremony to raise the St. Andrew’s flag aboard the submarine took place today in Severodvinsk, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the event, the president delivered a welcoming address, listened to various reports, and authorized the flag-raising. As the Russian anthem played, the sailors hoisted the St. Andrew’s flag, marking the submarine’s official induction into service.

The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including Navy Commander-in-Chief Alexander Moiseyev, Arkhangelsk Region Governor Alexander Tsybulsky, Presidential Aide Alexey Dyumin, Head of the Russian Maritime Collegium Nikolay Patrushev, and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

Knyaz Pozharsky stands as the fifth vessel in the upgraded Borei-A series and is the eighth overall when considering the three submarines from the original Borei project. The submarine was laid down in December 2016 and launched on February 3, 2024. Designed as a powerful submarine cruiser, it is armed with up to 16 R-30 Bulava-30 intercontinental ballistic missiles, which have a range exceeding 9,000 kilometers and are equipped with warheads capable of 150 kilotons. It is set to serve in the Northern Fleet, enhancing Russia’s strategic nuclear capabilities.