Article Posted on : - Aug 14, 2012

A Delta IV-class nuclear submarine of Russia. File photo

MOSCOW (BNS): A Project 667 Delta IV-class ballistic missile submarine has rejoined Russian Navy's Northern Fleet after undergoing refurbishing at the Zvezdochka shipyard in Severodvinsk.

The submarine, Novomoskovsk, returned to its homeport in Severomorsk on Monday after undergoing extensive refit which will add another 10 years to its service life before it is being decommissioned in 2022.

"The boat's life after refit and modernisation will be extended by another ten years," Northern Fleet Spokesman Captain First Rank Vadim Serga was quoted as saying by Ria Novosti.

The refit of the submarine included hundreds of improvements, "making the boat quieter, increasing its ability to detect other submarines, increasing its survivability and nuclear safety," he added.

The Novomoskovsk is the second Delta IV-class submarine to undergo modernisation. Another sub of the class, the Verkhoturye, had undergone a similar refit at Zvezdochka last year and was returned to service.

A total of seven Delta IV-class submarines were built by the Severodvinsk shipyard between 1981 and 1992 and joined Russian Navy's Northern Fleet.

Each sub has water displacement of 12,000 tons, a maximum diving depth of 400 meters, a cruising speed of 24 knots and a crew of 140 personnel. The submarine can carry 16 intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The ships form the backbone of Russia's sea-based nuclear defence.