The Russian Black Sea Fleet has denied reports claiming that the diesel-electric submarine Novorossiysk made an emergency surfacing near the French coast due to a technical malfunction.

According to the fleet’s press service, media allegations about a supposed malfunction and subsequent emergency surfacing are false. The statement emphasized that the submarine had recently completed its mission as part of Russia’s permanent naval task force in the Mediterranean and is currently in the process of inter-fleet transfer.

The fleet also noted that, under international maritime regulations, submarines are required to pass through the English Channel on the surface.

Novorossiysk is the lead vessel in a series of six Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarines. The vessel was laid down in August 2010, launched in 2013, and joined the Black Sea Fleet in August 2014.

These third-generation submarines have a displacement of just under 4,000 tons, a maximum underwater speed of 20 knots, and a diving depth of up to 300 meters. Their crew consists of 52 sailors. The armament includes 533 mm torpedoes, naval mines, and the Kalibr missile system, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

Due to their stealth characteristics, NATO has dubbed the Varshavyanka submarines «Black Holes».