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DISPATCH 03/26 · 8 Sep 2026
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Lexicon · Russia

Borei-class

Russia's latest nuclear ballistic-missile submarine, the cornerstone of its sea-based nuclear deterrent, carrying 16 Bulava SLBMs and featuring a pump-jet propulsor for enhanced stealth.

Borei-class
FIG.01 · Russia Image - Borei-class. Photo by Министерство обороны Российской Федерации, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Russia’s premier nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarine, the sea-based arm of its strategic nuclear triad, designed to conduct long-range deterrent patrols beneath the Arctic ice with up to 16 Bulava SLBMs.

Overview

The Borei class (Project 955) and its improved successor the Borei-A (Project 955A) are the Russian Navy’s fourth-generation ballistic-missile submarines, replacing the Cold-war-era Delta III/IV and the retired Typhoon class. Each boat carries 16 RSM-56 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, giving Russia a survivable second-strike capability. The class is built solely for the Russian Navy at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, and as of 2025 eight boats are in service, with additional hulls under construction.

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