Article Posted on : - Mar 18, 2011

The first Graney class sub, the Severodvinsk, will enter service with the Navy by the end of 2011. A file photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia will begin the construction of third Graney class nuclear-powered attack submarine in 2011, a media report said.

Russia has already begun the construction of second submarine of this class, the Kazan, at the Sevmash Shipyard in the northern Russian city of Severodvinsk in 2010. The Russian Navy will commission the first vessel of the Graney class, the Severodvinsk submarine, by the end of 2011.

Graney class nuclear submarines are designed to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles (up to 3,100 miles or 5,000 km), with conventional or nuclear warheads, and effectively engage submarines, surface warships and land-based targets, according to RIA Novosti.

It is reported that, the submarine's armament includes 24 cruise missiles and eight torpedo launchers, as well as mines and anti-ship missiles.

The Graney-class nuclear attack submarines are based on Russia's Akula-class and Alfa-class submarines. They are slated to replace the Soviet-era Akula class and Oscar class subs of the navy.