In a display of military tradition and political symbolism, Russian President Vladimir Putin took center stage in Severodvinsk as the country officially welcomed its newest nuclear-powered submarine, the Knyaz Pozharsky, into the navy.
A Ceremonial Moment on Deck
Standing aboard the submarine, Putin participated in a formal flag-raising ceremony—an event steeped in naval tradition.
The Russian leader gave a short speech, listened to a few official reports, and gave the go-ahead to raise the naval flag for the very first time on the vessel.
Addressing the crew, he said, “Comrades sailors, I congratulate you on the first raising of the naval flag.”
The sailors responded with the customary triple “Hoorah,” a hallmark of Russian military morale.
Putin wasn’t alone at the ceremony. He was joined by Arkhangelsk Region Governor Alexander Tsybulsky and Presidential Aide Alexei Dyumin, both of whom stood alongside him for the patriotic moment.
What the Knyaz Pozharsky Brings to the Table
The Knyaz Pozharsky isn’t just another submarine—it’s the eighth addition to Russia’s Borei and Borei-A class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
These are top-tier assets in Russia’s underwater arsenal, officially part of Project 955A.
Each submarine in this class is armed with 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, a clear indication of their strategic value.
These vessels aren’t just for show—they represent Russia’s long-term nuclear deterrence strategy.
A Growing Submarine Family
With this latest addition, the Russian Navy now boasts a total of eight Borei-class submarines.
The current fleet already includes:
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Yury Dolgorukiy
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Alexander Nevsky
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Vladimir Monomakh
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Knyaz Vladimir
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Knyaz Oleg
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Generalissimus Suvorov
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Imperator Alexander III
Now, Knyaz Pozharsky officially joins their ranks, having first touched water back in February 2024 and finally receiving her flag in this high-profile ceremony.
More Than Just a Submarine
Events like these serve a dual purpose: they celebrate military advancements and also send a message—both domestically and internationally.
With tensions high on the global stage, this ceremony reminds the world that Russia is still expanding and modernizing its military capabilities.
So what’s next for the Knyaz Pozharsky? From here, she’ll begin full integration into naval operations—standing as a visible sign of Russia’s commitment to maintaining a powerful and modern submarine fleet.
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