Khabarovsk-class (Project 09851)
Russia's Khabarovsk-class submarine, scheduled for commissioning in 2025, is a nuclear-powered strategic vessel distinguished by its design as a dedicated carrier for Poseidon nuclear-armed drones.
| Subtype | Nuclear-powered special-purpose submarine |
| Displacement | 10000 tons |
| Units | Khabarovsk |
| Range | Unlimited, except by food supplies |
Description
The Khabarovsk class, designated Project 09851, is a class of nuclear-powered submarines under construction for the Russian Navy at the Sevmash shipyard. The design of the class is based on the hull of the Borei-class submarine, modified to be smaller by excluding the ballistic missile section. The lead vessel of the class, Khabarovsk, was laid down on 27 July 2014. Originally scheduled to be floated in June 2020, its launch was delayed to late 2025. A ceremonial launch took place on 1 November 2025, and the submarine was lowered into the water on 30 November 2025.
Open sources indicate that three or four submarines have been ordered or planned. While some sources designate all planned vessels as Project 09851, others suggest that follow-on submarines will be built under the Project 09853 designation. The second vessel, Orenburg, was ordered under the Project 09853 design, with construction scheduled to begin in late 2025.
In terms of capabilities, the nuclear-powered submarines are designed to operate as attack or cruise missile submarines. The class is configured to carry Poseidon long-range nuclear torpedoes, making it the second submarine class designed to carry this weapon system after the submarine Belgorod. The vessels are also designed to carry anti-ship missiles, land-attack missiles, and conventional torpedoes.
Regarding operational deployment, the lead vessel, Khabarovsk, is assigned to the Pacific Fleet. The submarine remains under construction and is estimated to be commissioned in 2026. The second planned vessel, Orenburg, is assigned to the Northern Fleet.