Kilo Class Submarine: What You Need To Know

Introduction to Russia's Kilo Class Submarine

In this section, the speaker introduces the topic of Russia's Kilo class submarine and its significance in the Russian Navy. The speaker also mentions its relevance to the invasion of Ukraine.

Overview of the Kilo Class Submarine

• The Kilo class submarine is a major submarine class in the Russian Navy.

• It was used by Russia during the invasion of Ukraine, with five submarines deployed in the Black Sea.

• There are two types of Kilos in the Black Sea: improved kilo and original kilo.

• The improved kilo can fire caliber cruise missiles, while it is unclear if the original kilo has this capability.

Design and Features of the Kilo Class Submarine

This section provides information about the design and features of the Kilo class submarine.

Design Features

• The Kilo class submarine was designed in the 1970s and entered service in the early 1980s.

• It had a teardrop-shaped hull and a large sonar at the front for enhanced capabilities.

• Unlike other submarines, it has a lower rudder but no upper rudder, making it unique in design.

Comparison with Previous Submarines

• The Kilo class submarine represented a significant improvement over previous non-nuclear submarines used by Russia.

• Earlier submarines like Romeo, Whiskey, and Ustra were influenced by World War II designs but appeared outdated by the 1980s.

• In contrast, the Kilo class submarine was considered modern and more capable for hunting ships and enemy submarines.

Stealth Capabilities of the Kilo Class Submarine

This section discusses the stealth capabilities of the Kilo class submarine and addresses some misconceptions.

Stealth Reputation

• During the 1980s, the Kilo class submarine gained a reputation for being very quiet and stealthy.

• It was often referred to as the "black hole in the ocean" due to its stealthiness.

• However, this reputation needs to be contextualized as it was compared to previous generations of Russian diesel-electric submarines.

Current Stealth Capabilities

• While the Kilo class submarine is still considered quiet, it is not as stealthy as some modern non-Russian submarines.

• It lacks AIP (independent power) technology, requiring more frequent snorkeling than other submarines.

• Nevertheless, Russia has implemented effective machinery quietening and anechoic tiles on the submarine's exterior.

Variants of the Kilo Class Submarine

This section provides an overview of different variants of the Kilo class submarine.

Al Rosa Variant

• The Al Rosa variant is one of the original kilo class submarines in the Black Sea.

• It features a pump jet propulsor instead of a regular screw or propeller at the back, which was likely for experimental purposes.

• Pump jets are more commonly found in Russian ballistic missile submarines (Borei-class).

Summary and Usage in Black Sea

This section summarizes different models of the Kilo class submarine and discusses its usage in the Black Sea.

Summary of Models

• The project 636.3 improved kilo class is heavily exported, with 79 built or planned.

• Russia currently operates 20 kilo class submarines and has plans for six more.

• Some older kilos have been retired from service.

Usage in Black Sea

• The Kilo class submarine has particular relevance in the Black Sea due to its capabilities.

• It is currently being used to launch caliber cruise missiles against Ukrainian targets.

• The caliber missile is comparable to the Tomahawk missile and has mixed success in combat.

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Overview of Submarines in the Black Sea

This section provides an overview of submarines in the Black Sea, specifically focusing on the improved kilo class submarines.

Submarine Classes in the Black Sea

• The Black Sea is home to several submarine classes, including the improved kilo class.

• The distinction between the improved kilo and other classes is that the improved kilo can fire caliber missiles.

• The kilo class submarines were designed and entered service in the early 80s, with improvements made over previous Soviet designs.

Features of Improved Kilo Class Submarines

• The improved kilo class submarines have a modern design with a teardrop shape and a large sonar area at the front.

• They are known for their quietness and stealth capabilities, although some myths about their noise levels persist.

• These submarines do not have Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology like more modern designs.

• They have a large torpedo room and can also launch cruise missiles.

Al Rosa Submarine

• Al Rosa is a specific submarine within the kilo class that has a pump jet propeller at the back, distinguishing it from others.

• Pump jet propellers are not commonly fitted to non-nuclear submarines.

Use of Caliber Cruise Missiles in the Black Sea

This section discusses how caliber cruise missiles are used in the Black Sea and their significance.

Launching Caliber Cruise Missiles

• One significant use of submarines in the Black Sea is to launch caliber cruise missiles.

• Caliber cruise missiles are long-range missiles that Russia possesses, which can be launched from submarines.

• These missiles are taken very seriously by other countries due to their range and capabilities.

Deniability and Alternative Tactics

• If Russia were to use these missiles, it could be done in a deniable manner.

• Another tactic is to lay mines using surface ships, which can be done discreetly.

• These alternative tactics serve as deterrents and can disrupt merchant ship traffic.

Summary of Submarine Classes

This section provides a summary of the different submarine classes, particularly focusing on the kilo class.

Submarine Class Summary

• The kilo class submarines have been heavily exported and are still operated by Russia.

• They have been successful and modern submarines, with 20 still in operation under Russia's navy.

Conclusion

The transcript ends with a brief closing statement.