Russia's New Borei-Class Ballistic Missile Nuclear Submarine Summed Up in 1 Word

Russia’s Borei-class ballistic missile nuclear submarines are designed for one mission: stay hidden under the Arctic and Pacific and retaliate if Russia’s other nuclear forces are hit. Each boat is described as carrying 16 RSM-56 Bulava missiles with an estimated range near 5,000 miles, using pump-jet propulsion intended to reduce cavitation noise from the propeller. The first hull began in 1996 and the submarine was commissioned in 2013 after setbacks including a canceled missile, funding gaps and failed tests. The Knyaz Pozharsky arrived in 2025 about a year late, with two more boats still under construction as Russia’s war in Ukraine competed for resources. The article emphasizes quiet design features that improve survivability through reduced acoustic signature.