Putin unveils new submarine that will carry hypersonic missiles

In late March 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in a ceremonial launch of the sixth Project 885M Yasen-M nuclear-powered attack submarine in Murmansk. This submarine, named Perm after a city in Russia's Ural Mountains, is notable for being the first to be equipped with the Tsirkon hypersonic missile. The Yasen-M class submarines are designed to serve multiple roles, allowing them to engage both land and sea targets effectively, a significant advancement over older Soviet models. This new class of submarines is capable of carrying nuclear armaments, thus enhancing Russia's strategic military capabilities. The Yasen-M submarines represent a significant modernization effort of Russia's naval forces, reflecting a shift in focus after a long period of stagnation in post-Soviet military capabilities. The project faced numerous delays and challenges that stemmed from the dissolution of the Soviet Union, but significant progress was made in the late 2000s when the Russian government revived the program. Instead of building a new submarine fleet from scratch, Moscow chose to upgrade existing Yasen-class designs, leading to the establishment of the Yasen-M designation, which features improved electronic warfare systems and a refined noise-reduction reactor facility. Putin has emphasized the importance of strengthening the Russian Navy as part of a broader ambition to restore Russia’s military might, reminiscent of the Soviet era. However, the modernization of the Russian Navy comes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly due to the war in Ukraine. The invasion has resulted in Russia facing extensive sanctions, which have restricted its access to foreign components needed for military hardware, thus complicating its defense strategies. In response, Russia is now increasingly reliant upon developing indigenous technology and manufacturing capabilities for its naval projects. Despite these challenges, the Yasen-M submarines are regarded as among the best in the world, even as Russia's overall naval fleet suffers from various deficiencies. The Perm submarine is expected to join a growing fleet, with six submarines planned to be in service by early next year, and more under construction. However, the ambitious plans for revitalization of the Russian Navy may remain aspirational, as the nation grapples with the realities of international sanctions and military resource limitations. This development illustrates both the Kremlin's desire to enhance its naval warfare capabilities and the significant hurdles it must overcome to realize its maritime ambitions.