The Russian authorities have just formalized the order for two Borei-A nuclear ballistic missile submarines of Project 995A, as well as two Yassen guided missile submarines of Project 855M. This order will bring the number of Borei in service to 10 units (3 Borei in service, 1 Borei-A in service, 4 under construction, 2 on order), and that of Yassen to 8 units (1 Yassen in service, 5 Yassen- A under construction and/or testing and 2 on order). The Borei will replace the Project 667 Delta III/IV SSBNs in service, from the Soviet era, while the Yassen will replace the 954 Sierra I/II and 971 Victor III attack submarines dating from the same period.
The Borei-A SSBNs each carry 16 RSM-56 Bulava ballistic missiles, with each missile carrying up to 10 MIRV independent atmospheric re-entry vehicles equipped with a nuclear warhead. With 10 SSBNs in the fleet, the Russian navy will be able to maintain between 3 and 4 vessels at sea in a normal deterrent posture.
The Yassen submarines will significantly increase the firepower of the Russian Navy, with each vessel carrying 40 P-800 Onyx anti-ship missiles, 3M22 Zirkon (855M), or Kalibr missiles of different types. It also has 10 torpedo tubes, including 8 of 650 mm, which can use ASW torpedoes as well as anti-ship missiles. Note that the first unit of the 855M project, the Kazan, saw its entry into service postponed for at least two years following deficiencies noted during its sea trials.