Russian Varshavyanka-Class Submarines Disappear Without Trace

Where did the Russian Navy's “black holes” flee from Novorossiysk?

Russian submarines of Project 877 “Paltus”, or “Varshavyanka”, have left the docks in Novorossiysk. Foreign observers assume that the submarines could have submerged and left their base, as evidenced by images dated June 6. Bulgarian Military reported on the details of the disappearance of the Russian submarines.

“It's hard to say for sure, given the resolution, but I think even the KILOs have left. This is getting stranger by the minute,” writes observer @MT_Anderson on their X account.

The authors of the publication noted that it was not only submarines that have become active in Novorossiysk. According to additional satellite images, the entire military contingent of the Russian Black Sea Fleet appears to be in combat mode.

Three missile-carrying corvettes are reported to have launched at least 24 Kalibr missiles simultaneously. And some of these ships are in the main channel of Novorossiysk, at a distance of 500 meters to 2.5 kilometers from the entrance to the naval dock.

“The Navy has changed its pattern in Novorossiysk, moving warships from the berths of the naval base to positions in the bay. Other ships are heading to the Crimea in formation,” another observer H I Sutton wrote on their X account.

“Black holes” of the submarine fleet

Russian submarines of Project 877 “Paltus” are designed by the St. Petersburg design bureau “Rubin”. They are known for their stealth and are called “black holes” in NATO due to their silent operation. The submarines have been in service since the early 1980s and have undergone various modernizations.

They are equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system consisting of two diesel generators and one electric motor. The maximum speed on the surface is 10-12 knots, while submerged — up to 17-25 knots. The cruising range reaches 6,000-7,500 nautical miles at a speed of 7 knots. Submarines can remain submerged for up to 45 days, depending on the tasks.

Basic characteristics

Length — 74 meters;

Width — 9,9 meters;

Draft — 6,2 meters;

Displacement — 2,300 tons on the surface and 3,950 tons while submerged.

The “black holes” are equipped with modern sonar and electronic warfare systems. They have six torpedo tubes with a diameter of 533 mm, capable of launching both torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, such as the 3M54 “Klub-K”. However, nuclear weapons are not provided.