MOSCOW, March 28 (UPI) -- Russia is preparing to build at least six nuclear-powered attack submarines to be armed with long-range cruise missiles, military sources say.
Citing an unnamed source in the Russian Defense Ministry, ITAR-TASS reported the Russian navy is moving ahead on financing six new nuclear-powered Severodvinsk subs, which will be outfitted with light cruise missiles that can be equipped with low-yield tactical nuclear warheads.
"The Sevmash shipyard is building several models of the leading underwater cruiser Severodvinsk," the source said. "It is planned to build at least six nuclear-powered submarines. Under the current plans, the Severodvinsk will be put into service for the navy in 2011, other serial submarines should be built by 2017."
ITAR-TASS quoted the source saying the cruise missiles are designed for hitting aircraft carriers if they pose "a direct threat to Russia's security. The missiles can (also) be launched at the most important coastal facilities."
