Russia has allowed the first glimpse of its monster submarine dubbed “Vladimir the Great” as it goes on sea trials in the Arctic.
The upgraded Borei is capable of launching 20 intercontinental nuclear missiles which could destroy cities almost 6,000 miles away.
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The vessel, designed for deployment under the ice in polar waters, has been labelled the deadliest submarine on the planet.
The nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Knyaz Vladimir, or Prince Vladimir, was launched in November 2017 and is expected to be properly deployed this year.
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Earlier President Vladimir Putin attended the start of its construction in 2012.
The submarine can dive to 400 metres and is claimed to be almost undetectable to foes.
Commander of Russia’s Northern Fleet Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov said the Knyaz Vladimir and similar lethal submarines “will primarily pursue missions in high Arctic latitudes under the ice of the North Arctic Ocean".
Moscow is poised to increase the number of the new-style submarines from eight to ten, a source said today as Russia marks its annual Day of Submariners.
They are the latest proof of a major Kremlin investment in rebuilding Moscow’s military strength.
"We hope that after all the trials are complete this year, first models of these projects namely the Knyaz Vladimir strategic missile cruiser…will reinforce the Northern Fleet,” he said.
The Borei and the Yasen submarines “will be the backbones of the Northern Fleet's submarine force in 15-20 years”, he boasted.
The upgraded Borei’s - a type of submarine originally designed in Soviet times - are designed for “improved manoeuvrability and stealth capabilities”.
By 2025, the fleet will be capable of launching up to 200 warheads yielding 100-150 kilotons apiece, ten times the power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
The new Russian submarine is 170 metres in length.
