Russa’s Akula II-Class Submarine Explained in 2 Words

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Game Changer: The Russian Akula II-class submarine is a formidable asset in undersea warfare, with stealth, speed, and a versatile mission set. Despite its medium size, the Akula II boasts advanced technology, including wake-detection systems and the ability to deploy Kalibr cruise missiles.

-These submarines, crucial for protecting Russian naval assets and conducting reconnaissance, maintain a strong presence, particularly in the Black Sea.

-While Russia’s surface navy has struggled during the war in Ukraine, the Akula-class submarines remain a critical component of its naval strategy, showcasing resilience and deterrence capabilities.

Russian Akula II-class Submaries, Explained 

The Russian Akula II-class submarine is something to behold and sometimes has American naval battle planners scratching their heads about the best way to counteract it. The third-generation nuclear-powered fast attack boat runs silent and deep, with better stealth technologies, at a speed that makes the sub a leader in modern undersea warfare.

They Can Undertake Many Missions

The Akula (‘Shark’) II is a multi-mission submarine. It can protect Russian naval convoys, hunt for enemy subs, take out enemy shipping, and sneak close to shore to collect intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data. Another critical aspect of the mission set for the Akula II-class is to protect Russian boomers that carry nuclear missiles.

Mid-size, with a Small Crew, and Swift 

The Akula II-class is not large, more like medium-sized. It is only about 380 feet in length and has a crew of just 53 officers and enlisted sailors. This smaller size enables a swift speed of 35 knots submerged.

Watch Out for These Weapons Systems 

The armaments are impressive. Along with ubiquitous torpedoes with eight torpedo tubes are mine-laying capabilities and even anti-aircraft missiles. Interestingly, in 2022, Russian state media announced that the Akula-class Tigr nuclear-powered submarine will be armed with Kalibr-PL cruise missiles. These have likely been used against targets in Ukraine, as the Akula II-class is likely patrolling the Black Sea to bring the noise against Kyiv.

Akula II-class Burst On the Scene

There are two Akula-II class subs, the Vepr and Gepard, and four classes of Akula boats overall. They hit the water in the mid-1980s and immediately made their reputation for improved Russian subsea warfare. 

“The launch of the first submarine in 1985 shook everyone up (in the West), as Western intelligence agencies had not expected the Soviet Union to produce such a boat for another 10 years,” according to Science.org in 1989.

Would U.S. Aircraft Carriers Be In Danger?

It was thought that the Akulas could threaten U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and eliminate escort ships of carrier strike groups. Their development would make it tough for U.S. anti-submarine aircraft and sonobuoys that normally protect carrier flotillas.

Double-hull Innovation

The Akula brought to the fight a double-hull system consisting of an inner pressure hull and an outer “light” hull. This gave the sub more reserve buoyancy, protection, and stealth. The Akula IIs are quietier than the Akula I.  

You Mean It Could Detect Wakes?

Another interesting feature of the Akula-class was its wake-detection technology. Called the “System Obnarujenia Kilvaternovo Sleda,” the contraption could sniff out a wake coming from an enemy ship on the surface and help the weapon systems lock on to the target. These hydrodynamic sensors detect changes in temperature and salinity.

Paved the Way for New American Boats

The Akula II-class can be compared to the U.S. Navy’s Los Angeles and Seawolf-class submarines. 

The first Akula may have even inspired these subs in the 1980s. Now, the Russians have the Lada class, which gives them further advantages in undersea warfare.

Submarines Haven’t Suffered During Russo-Ukrainian War

While the Russian surface navy, particularly in the Black Sea, has struggled and, you could even say, failed in the Black Sea during the war with Ukraine, the Akula-class still gives the Russians a deep advantage, especially with the Kalibr cruise missiles. Russia has not lost a sub during this conflict, and the ballistic missile bomber subs are intact, enabling the Russian nuclear triad to still dominate the world.

The Akula-II class gave the Russians confidence when they needed it most around the end of the Cold War. These boats are still important to the Russian navy and can make a difference under the sea. U.S. subsea warfare planners must consider where they think the Akula II class is hiding out at any given moment. The Russians will take advantage of their high speed and excellent array of weapons should the worst happen between the United States and Russia.

About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood 

Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare, plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.