Akula

Soviet submarine class

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

The Akula class refers to a series of Soviet and Russian nuclear-powered attack submarines. These vessels, which entered service in the 1990s, were designed to carry the SS-N-21 Sampson cruise missile, capable of striking land targets. They also served dual roles, equipped for both anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, utilizing torpedoes and missiles.12

Key design trends for nuclear attack submarines during the Cold War included increased speed, diving depth, and silencing. The Akula class, with a displacement of 7,500 tons and a length of approximately 111.7 meters, embodied these advancements. Deeper diving capabilities were particularly valued for evasion and improved sonar performance. The Akula class continued to serve in the Russian navy, with modernization efforts aimed at extending their operational lives.341

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

submarine
Attack submarines
These were carried by the Akula-class submarines, 7,500-ton, 111.7-metre (366-foot) vessels that continued to enter service with the Russian navy through the 1990s. In 2010 Russia launched its first Yasen-class submarine (called Graney by NATO), which carried the mixed armament of the Akula vessels—antisubmarine and antiship torpedoes and missiles as…
Read More
These were carried by the Akula-class submarines, 7,500-ton, 111.7-metre (366-foot) vessels that continued to enter service with the Russian navy through the 1990s. In 2010 Russia launched its first Yasen-class submarine (called Graney by NATO), which carried the mixed armament of the Akula vessels—antisubmarine and antiship torpedoes and missiles as…
Read More