Project 677 Lada: Maloyaroslavets keel laid for the Russian Navy

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Project 677 Lada submarine programme advances

The conventional attack submarine programme for the Project 677 Lada continues to move forward as part of the Russian Navy’s plans to renew its submarine capabilities. Against this backdrop, Admiralty Shipyards has held the keel-laying ceremony for a new vessel, named Maloyaroslavets after a town in the Kaluga region. This milestone officially brings the programme to its sixth submarine, while Moscow continues with plans to expand the planned number of boats.

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Construction of the Lada class is being carried out by Admiralty Shipyards, a company within the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), while Rubin Design Bureau is responsible for the design. Unlike the Sankt Petersburg, the first Project 677 boat, which was used to assess the design and its systems, the submarines now under construction feature an evolved configuration based on lessons learned during prototype trials and operational evaluation.

The programme’s progress has already been demonstrated by the entry into service of its first improved vessels. Kronstadt entered service with the Russian Navy in 2024. By December 2025, the service had commissioned the class’s third submarine, Velikiye Luki, marking the transition from the assessment stage towards more sustained production of Project 677. Rubin also confirmed that two further submarines, Vologda and Yaroslavl, are at various stages of construction.

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Capabilities of the Project 677 Lada class

In capability terms, the Lada class is among Russia’s most modern offerings for conventionally powered submarine forces. The design places particular emphasis on reducing its acoustic signature, using a range of measures intended to lower the noise produced while underway. Its sonar systems are intended to deliver strong capabilities for detecting and tracking contacts. It also has a combat system able to employ weapons against naval and land targets, including torpedoes and missiles, broadening the range of missions the platform can undertake.

Continued construction must also be viewed in light of Kremlin decisions concerning the fleet’s future size. In July 2025, Vladimir Putin stated the intention to proceed with the construction of three additional Project 677 boats, taking the production target to nine Lada submarines. The move signals support for a programme which, after a lengthy development period and technical difficulties, is now seeking to establish production on a larger scale.

Maloyaroslavets joins the Russian Navy’s Lada programme

Finally, the name selected for the new boat, Maloyaroslavets, also follows the Russian tradition of giving its conventional submarines the names of historically significant towns and cities. The town gained particular importance during the conflicts of 1812 and 1941, as it was the site of engagements regarded as significant to the defence of Russian territory. Beyond this symbolic aspect, the keel laying represents another tangible step for Project 677, which is intended to form an increasingly important part of the Russian Navy’s conventional submarine capabilities.

Photographs: Rubin Design Bureau.