MOSCOW -- Russia is looking to create a new nuclear-powered submarine over the coming decade.

A source in Russia's defense sector, speaking to TASS, said this week that the nuclear-powered submarine, dubbed the 'Husky' class, will be built by 2027. The source said, "The Husky has been included in the state armament program for 2018-2027. There are plans to start the experimental design work on the construction of submarines of this class from 2023 and deliver the lead vessel by the end of 2027."

A final design for the submarine has not yet been chosen. This month, the United Shipbuilding Corporation said it had produced several possible designs, one of which is to be selected to be the model for the new type of submarine. However, the source told TASS that the design efforts carried out so far "have been recognized as unsatisfactory" in meeting the Navy's requirements, suggesting that the initial design phase will continue. The source did not elaborate further.

Though specifications are not finalized, Russia aims to integrate its Zircon hypersonic missile onto the Husky submarines. TASS' source stated, "Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles will become the main armament of the newest multipurpose submarine."

TASS stressed that it did not have official confirmation of the source's information.

The United Shipbuilding Corporation has been working on the Husky project for the last four years. Russian officials have not yet indicated how many of the submarines the Navy is looking to put into service or what the timeframe will be for the introduction of vessels after the completion of the lead submarine.

Source: TASS Russian News Agency
Associated URL: http://tass.com/defense/1007427