End of an Era: The Decommissioning of Russia’s Last Typhoon-Class Submarine
Recently, the Russian Navy officially decommissioned their last operational Typhoon-class (Project 941) Ballistic Missile Submarine.
The Dmitry Donskoy Awaits Disposal
According to reports, the vessel “Dmitry Donskoy” will await disposal at the naval base at Severodvinsk, along with two other vessels, the Arkhangelsk and Severstal.
A Historical Giant: The Typhoon-Class Submarines
First launched in 1976, the “Typhoon Class” were the largest submarines ever built. Coming in at a monstrous 48,000 tons (while submerged), the Typhoon-class came as a response to the U.S. Navy’s Ohio-class SSBNs.
The Dmitry Donskoy was actually the first Typhoon to enter service in 1981, but was laid up in port in 1990 due to the economic situation after the fall of the USSR. It would not be until 2002 when she would leave port and would be used primarily to test ballistic missiles/a floating laboratory for the Russian Navy.
Plans to Extend Service Life Abandoned
Back in 2021, there were talks of sending the Donskoy into dry dock once again to extend her service life until 2026. But it seems that the Russian Navy has finally decided to dispose of the 40+ year old submarine, replacing it with the more advanced Borei-class.
~NC
