| Name / Class | Lada Class |
| Country of Origin | Russia |
| Type | Diesel electric attack submarine |
| Manufacturer | Rubin Design Bureau, Admiralty Shipyards |
| Operators | Russian Navy |
| In Service | 2010 |
| Status | Active, limited production |
| Length | 66.8 m |
| Beam (Width) | 7.1 m |
| Draught / Draft | 6.5 m |
| Displacement (Surfaced) | approx 1765 tons |
| Displacement (Submerged) | approx 2650 tons |
| Hull Material | High strength steel |
| Crew | about 35 |
| Power Source | Diesel electric |
| Engine / Reactor Type | Diesel generators, batteries |
| Propulsion System | Single shaft |
| Speed (Surfaced) | 10 knots |
| Speed (Submerged) | 21 knots |
| Range | approx 6500 km |
| Endurance | up to 45 days |
| Operational Depth | 300 m |
| Test Depth | 350 m |
| Maximum Depth | estimated 400 m |
| Torpedo Tubes | 6 x 533 mm |
| Torpedoes / Missiles | Heavy torpedoes, anti ship missiles |
| Cruise / Ballistic Missiles | Limited capability |
| Mines | Naval mines |
| Decoys / Countermeasures | Acoustic decoys |
| Sonar System | Bow and flank arrays |
| Radar | Surface navigation radar |
| Combat Management System | Integrated digital CMS |
| Electronic Warfare System | Basic electronic support |
| Communication Systems | Secure naval comms |
| Navigation Systems | Inertial and satellite |
| Anechoic Coating | Yes |
| Noise Reduction Features | Raft mounted machinery |
| Magnetic Signature Reduction | Demagnetization system |
| Acoustic Signature Level | Very low for class |
| Weapons Payload | Up to 18 torpedoes or mix |
| Special Forces Accommodation | Limited accommodation |
| UUV / Drone Capability | Future integration possible |
| Reactor / AIP Type | Planned AIP, not operational |
| Automation Level | High |
| Special Features | Reduced crew workload |
| Major Deployments | Baltic Sea patrols |
| Combat / Exercises | None reported |
| Upgrades | Sensor and battery upgrades |
| Unit Cost | 300 to 400 million USD estimated |
| Number Built | 3 |
| Production Period | 2004 to present |
| Image / Video Source | Russian Navy media |
| Official Website | United Shipbuilding Corporation |
| Reference Credit | Open source defense analysis |
The Lada Class submarine represents Russia’s effort to field a quieter, more automated diesel electric attack submarine for modern naval warfare. Designed as a successor to the Kilo Class, the Lada Class focuses on stealth, reduced crew workload, and improved sensors for operations in contested waters.
Developed by the Rubin Design Bureau and built by Admiralty Shipyards, the submarine was conceived to strengthen Russia’s coastal defense, sea denial, and intelligence missions. It is optimized for operations in shallow and enclosed seas, including the Baltic and Black Sea regions.
The Lada Class features a compact hull with advanced hydrodynamic shaping and extensive anechoic coating to reduce acoustic signatures. The submarine uses a diesel electric propulsion system, with early plans for air independent propulsion, although operational units currently rely on conventional batteries.
With submerged speeds exceeding 20 knots and an operational depth around 300 meters, the Lada Class is designed for silent patrols rather than high speed pursuit. Automation allows a smaller crew compared to older Russian submarines, improving endurance and reducing life cycle costs.
The submarine is armed with six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of firing heavyweight torpedoes, anti ship missiles, and laying naval mines. Modern sonar arrays and a digital combat management system provide improved target detection and engagement compared to previous classes.
The Lada Class can support intelligence gathering, anti submarine warfare, and limited strike missions, making it a flexible asset for regional naval operations.
Although production has been limited, the Lada Class continues to serve as a technology testbed for future Russian non nuclear submarines. Lessons learned are expected to influence the improved Lada and Amur class designs.
There is no official export price available in the United States. Based on defense estimates, unit cost is believed to range between 300 and 400 million USD, depending on configuration, sensors, and weapons fit.
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