MOSOW: Russia’s AS-31 deep-diving nuclear-powered submarine, known as Losharik, will go out for testing in June or July after completing years of repairs, the state TASS news agency reported on Wednesday.
“Following the remaining tasks, the submarine is scheduled to undergo testing in June or July of this year,” said the military source.
Launched in 2003, Losharik is among the most clandestine submarines in the Russian naval fleet. It has been undergoing repairs since 2019, following a tragic incident where a fire aboard claimed the lives of 14 sailors. Despite being nuclear-powered, Russia’s defence ministry clarified after the accident that the “nuclear elements” were completely insulated from the fire.
The source informed TASS that following repairs, the submarine will maintain its capability to dive to depths of 6,000 meters (19,700 ft). TASS previously reported that the titanium hull of the submarine remained intact, ensuring its diving capability.
Since initiating a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, President Vladimir Putin has prioritized bolstering Russia’s military capabilities, emphasizing the country’s commitment to modernizing its nuclear forces and maintaining high combat readiness levels.
