Two Varshavyanka-Class Stealth Subs to Join Russian Black Sea Fleet in 2015

Two Russian Varshavyanka-class submarines, the Novorossiysk and the Rostov-on-Don, will be transferred to the Black Sea Fleet in August and December respectively, the Southern Military District's press service said Friday.

Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric subs feature advanced stealth technology, extended combat ranges and the ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets. They have been dubbed "black holes in the ocean" by the US Navy because they are virtually undetectable when submerged.

"In August, the submarine 'Novorossiysk' will carry out an inter-fleet transfer to the Black Sea Fleet. The arrival of the submarine 'Rostov-on-Don' to its place of permanent deployment is expected in December 2015," the press service said in a statement.

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