Belgorod sea trials are under way, says TASS
Belgorod (background of picture) is 184m long. (Photo: Pravda)
Manufacturer trials of the world’s longest submarine may have begun.
Citing a source on the sidelines of the International Maritime Defence Show 2021 in St Petersburg, Russian state-run news agency TASS reported on 26 June that the Project 09852 submarine Belgorod had begun sea trials in the White Sea.
The manufacturer Sevmash commenced sea trials on 25 June, the source said, adding that they will be followed by state trials.
However, Sevmash did not comment on the matter, TASS noted.
If state trials prove successful, Belgorod (the longest submarine in the world at 184m) will be the first launch platform for the Poseidon nuclear-armed unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). Shephard understands that the Russian Navy expects to receive its first Poseidon units by the end of 2021.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Belgorod was meant to enter service with the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet in September 2020, but it only began preparing for sea trials in February 2021.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
