The news agency ITAR-TASS reports that the strategic nuclear Delta-IV class submarine K-18 “Kareliya” has been launched after modernizations at the Zvezdochka ship yard in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast. The modernization has prolonged the submarine’s lifetime with approximately ten years and improved its tactical and technical performance considerably.
According to Wikipedia, “Kareliya” is one of seven Delta-IV class nuclear submarines built from 1985 to 1992. All are still in service in the Russian navy today. Five submarines have gone through modernization at the Zvezdochka ship yard, the last two are awaiting their turn.
After the modernization the submarine’s main weapon system is the Sineva ballistic missile. It can carry ten 100kT warheads. In a test launch on 11 October 2008, an R-29RMU travelled 11,547 kilometres downrange. The submarine is planned to be fully operational in 2009.
See video from the launch here
