I don't want to get into a p*#@ing contest over this but their nuclear submarine fleet would appear to include:
5 Delta IVs - 41 to 35 years old
7 Oscars IIs - 37 to 29 years old
2 Victors IIIs - 35 to 33 years old
2 Sierra IIs - 35 to 32 years old
9 Akulas - 35 to 25 years old (8 out of 9 over 30)
That's an awful lot of hulls nearing the end of their life and in need of replacement.
Older submarines are also noisier submarines, which makes them easier to locate and kill.
There are also increased safety issues, but perhaps the Russian Navy is willing to accept more risk in that area than western counterparts.
Last edited by Biggus; 2nd June 2025 at 18:23.