Russia’s Yasen-M Nuclear Submarines Seen as Major US Navy Threat

Yasen-M Submarines Seen as Major Threat to US Navy

20:41 01-10-2026

Russia’s Yasen-M nuclear submarines combine stealth, Kalibr cruise missiles and, on some boats, Zircon hypersonic weapons, according to a 19FortyFive report.

Add Военное дело to your preferred Google sources

Russia’s Project Yasen-M multipurpose nuclear submarines could pose one of the most serious threats to the US Navy, according to analysts at 19FortyFive.

The publication noted that both Washington and Moscow pursued a new generation of attack submarines during the 1980s. The United States initially planned to build 29 Seawolf-class boats, but ultimately produced only three before shifting its focus to the less expensive Virginia class.

According to the authors, the Yasen-M was designed for a broad range of missions. The submarine can hunt surface ships and other submarines while also striking land targets with cruise missiles.

The Russian boats are equipped with torpedo tubes and vertical launch systems for Kalibr missiles. Some submarines in the series are also capable of carrying Zircon hypersonic missiles.

19FortyFive also highlighted the Yasen-M’s reduced underwater detectability as one of its key advantages. The submarines feature modern sonar systems and design solutions intended to lower their acoustic signature.

Another characteristic noted by the publication is the relatively small crew. The authors linked this feature to a high degree of operational autonomy.