Kilo class submarine (1980)

The Kilo class was for USSR, which engaged in the construction of SSNs since 1960, a counterpoint to the US that chose the path of “only SSNs” since the 1950s. These boats made sense for USSR at several levels, notably to replace an ageing fleet of conventional submarines, but also because they still procured valuable defence for extended Soviet territorial waters at a much lesser cost than SSNs. There was also the prospect of export, not lost since both the Whiskey class (Pr.613) and Foxtrot (Pr.641) did well on export. Even more than the latter, the new Project 877 were geared towards a cost-effective and modern conventional attack submarine design, that can be attractive on export.

The final product ended considerably different from previous generations and notably for the boats they were replacing, the Foxtrot class: They were much shorter, but wider and bulkier with a rounded hull, well optimized for acoustic discretion. In short, they became the 3rd generation of Soviet conventional submarines of the cold war, and are still in production today. The post-cold war export variant, Project 636 was superseded in the 2010s by the Federation of Russia’s Project 636.3 replacing the Project 877 boats, gradually retired. With 16 boats (last three ordered in 2022) they completely replaced earlier Kilo class in inventory and are the prime submarine model in service with the Russian Navy today.

Class:B-177 (Del fin), B-187, B-190, B-219, B-224, B-227, B-229, B-248, B-260, B-345, B-354, B-394 (named Komsomolets Tadjikistana 26.8.80 1991), B-401, p-402, B-404 (named Tyumenskiy Komsomolets until 1991), B-405, B-425, B-437 (named Magnitogorskty Komsomolets 9.6.80–1991), B-439, B-445, B-459, B-464, B-468, B-470, B-471, B-494, B-800, B-871 (total 28 units, plus exports).
Exports: Algeria (two, in 1987 and in Jan 1988), China (two; see below), India (eight in 1986-89), Iran (two, including 8-2/9 in Oct 1992), Poland (one, 21.6.86), Romania (once), A boat initially ordered by Romania was sold to Tran, but not delivered because payment could not be made. She was delivered to China in June 1995, China is to receive a second unit late in 1995, At this writing (June 1995), another ten are to be built in Russia for China, to be allowed by at least ten built under licence in China. The programme was scheduled to be quite large, since China will probably be replacing large numbers of elderly submarines. The new-construction units may be Project 636 rather than the existing Project 877. Early in 1994 China ordered two of the follow-on Project 636. More will come and this became a basis for furter design. The PLAN relied heavily on conventional attacks subs alongside SSNs as they are more cost-effective and coherent with the actual limitations of the China sea. India was reportedly interested in building ‘Kilo’ under license. The two Iranian boats were apparently originally intended for Soviet service. Another two were ordered, but failing Iranian finances killed the deal, and these were the boats sold to China.
In 1994 Firma Rubin quoted a price of $250 million for a Project 877EKM submarine.
Note: Project 636 and 636.3 will be seen in separate articles in 2026.

Development of the Project 877

The submarine was planned already in the 1970s to replace Project 641 (NATO Foxtrot) which last boats were expected to be deliver in 1982-83. The project went to the experts in USSR, Firma Rubin (ex-TsKB-18) which worked on two parallel projects, ‘Granay’ for the Soviet Navy, and ‘Warshavyanka’ for export, notably to Warsaw Pact allies. There may be a follow-on programme of the
predecessor Project 636 class. In 1990 with the collapse of the USSR, it was reported that at least some of this new class had been cancelled, and that complete ‘Kilo’ powerplants were offered for sale within the Soviet Union for civilian purposes.

TTZ for this design was issued in 1974. The Project 877 boats Paltus (“Halibut”) was designed specifically to exploit the new “Second Cap*” automation technology, in which a single central computer would manage both fire control and ship control functions. For example, fire control was entered automatically, rather than manually as in the ‘Leningrad’ system of the preceding ‘Foxtrot’ class. Diving and machinery control were fully automated. Most functions are controlled from a single central panel. The complement thus, could therefore be reduced drastically, to a total of 52 on a 3-watch basis.

“In the 1970s, it was decided to replenish the fleets with diesel-electric submarines of the next generation, which were to operate against surface and underwater ships, lay mines, and conduct reconnaissance. They should be relatively small, low-noise, high-speed, and have advanced radio, electronic, and sonar equipment. Since such ships were going to be delivered to our Warsaw Pact allies, they were given a proper name – “Varshavyanka” in addition to the usual project number 877.

They were developed by designers from the Rubin Central Design Bureau, headed by Yu.N.Kormilitsyn. If the 641-th project boats were traditionally long and narrow, then the outer, light hull of the “Varshavyanka” made spindle-shaped, with a length to width ratio of 7.3, with a round, like that of nuclear submarines, bow configuration. The hull itself was calculated so that hydrodynamic resistance would be minimal, several of its models were tested and brought to perfection on stands and in an experimental pool.
The internal pressure hull is divided by watertight bulkheads into 6 compartments. In the 1st, bow, there are torpedo tubes, in the 2nd – storage batteries and the main command post. The 3rd is a residential, two-deck, on the upper “floor” there is a galley and cabins, and on the lower – again storage batteries, in the 4th there are diesel generators, in the 5th – propulsion electric motors, and in the 6th – economic speed electric motors and a backup power plant.

The boat received an automated weapons system. Six 533 mm torpedo tubes located in the bow compartment can also be equipped with mines. The ammunition load includes up to 18 torpedoes or 24 mines, if necessary, their number varies. The devices are controlled remotely from the main command post – they are prepared for firing, target data is entered into the torpedoes, and reloaded after firing. Submarines built for the Soviet fleet also received the Strela-3 defensive anti-aircraft missile system for use in the surface position. T

he power plant includes two diesel generators. If the boats of old types moved on the surface under diesel engines, saving electricity, then the boats of this project move both above and under water only under electric motors. There are several of them – the main one, with a capacity of 5500 hp, economic speed (130 hp) and a pair of 102-horsepower reserves. All of them work on one propeller, and it is a 6-bladed one, with revolutions reduced to 250 per minute, therefore it produces much less noise and, consequently, leaves enemy anti-submarine forces less chance of detecting the submarine using noise direction finders.

The boats received an improved navigation system. A radar station is used to monitor the air situation and search for surface targets, in addition to it, there are means for detecting radiation from other radars. Hydroacoustic equipment is of two types. Active sends pulses and by echo signals determines where the targets are and what their characteristics are. However, in this case, the boat to a certain extent unmasks itself.
Therefore, a passive sonar is also used, which only listens and records the transmissions of other sonars, without revealing itself in any way. Information from all posts and observation facilities is received by the multi-purpose combat information and control system, processed by the computer and transmitted to the commander, to the main command post, isolated from other compartments.

Most of the mechanisms are equipped with vibration-absorbing coatings and installed on shock absorbers, others are arranged in blocks on special platforms, which, together with a low-noise propeller, an optimally streamlined hull, makes the boat less noticeable than submarines of other types.

Assessing the new Soviet boat, British specialists noted that many of its features “testify to the usual predilection for double-hull designs. Another characteristic feature is the long wheelhouse with a fence for retractable devices and the location of retractable horizontal rudders in front of the wheelhouse fence. These boats became the first Russian single-shaft, while previous diesel-electric ships had two propellers, and some, for example, the Tango class, even had three.”

In 1979, the lead ship of the project began to be built at the shipyard in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, and it entered service in September 1982. Later, ships of this project were built in Leningrad and at the Krasnoye Sormovo shipyard.
After they were spotted by foreign observers in 1981, NATO assigned them the code name “Kilo”.
The series continued to be built for the Navy after 1992. During the construction of the series, the project was constantly being improved. Thus, the B-800 (project 877LPMB) had a propeller made of the Aurora alloy, a seven-bladed saber with L-shaped blades. This ship was the first of the submarines of the 877 project (hereinafter all) equipped with an escape hatch with a system allowing exit from the submarine from depths of up to 250 meters. Other equipment (almost everything) in the BC-5 was

Silencing (including magnetic and presumably UEP) was emphasised. The diesel generators are suspended (rafted). The hull has an anti-sonar coating. Flooding ports were eliminated from the forebody of the submarine and the fore planes were moved aft to reduce noise, particularly noise interfering with its own sonar.
The design emphasised underwater performance; it was not a submersible like a Foxtrot, which would spend much of its time surfaced. Therefore it adopted an Albacore hull and accepted limited surface speed. This hull Wet probably also attractive because it could meet the requirements of both requirement of the Soviet Navy and export customer: Shallow water navies required short hulls and deep water navies required considerable internal volume. Previous diesels submarines had been single decked, and theretore could add usable only by adding lenght. As an other Russian designs, this one is compartimented for survivability. Rubin Claims that it could remain afloat on the surface with one compatment and two adjacent main ballast tanks flooded. Operating depht was noted at 240m (about 790 ft), and main depth is 3OO meters, with a periscope depth of 17.5m.
The submarine received low-speed GGED and DEKh B-401 and other innovations, additional acoustic equipment included in the GAK MGK-400 (it was even necessary to reduce the cabin of the SPK and accommodate it with the political officer), new navigation equipment not included in the navigation complex, etc.

The last eight ships of the series were built according to a slightly modified project (in some sources 877M(?)). Due to the increase in the hull by two frames (600 mm x 2), new, more powerful (by 1.5 times) diesel generators were mounted on them, with improved platform shock absorption, a low-speed GED, a Hall anchor that retracts inward (on previous ones, an anchor-shield). In total, about 30 units of equipment were replaced with new low-noise and more repairable ones. The resource of the equipment was increased by 2 times, the repairability of the ships was improved. The B-871 was built according to the 877V project and had an experimental water-jet propulsion system (instead of a propeller).

For the Warsaw Pact allies (Poland and Romania), one submarine was built according to a slightly modified project – 877E.
Based on this project, two more modifications were developed, which provided the ability to operate mechanisms and equipment in tropical conditions:
project 877EK (export capitalist), as well as project 877EKM (export capitalist modernized). The first was never implemented, and according to the second, a total of 18 submarines were built between 1983 and 2000. One of these submarines (B-806) was built for the USSR Navy in 1986 and was used for crew training. Based at Ust-Dvinsk (later transferred to Kronstadt, underwent repairs), was assigned to the submarine training center. The last two submarines of this project were built as “Improved Kilo”, and some sources indicate that the last of these submarines (“Sindhusharstra”) was built for the Indian Navy under project 08773 (an updated project 877EKM, has a missile system and a number of other improvements that bring it closer to project 636.

7 ships of the Indian Navy underwent medium repairs and modernization at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg (2) and at Zvezdochka in Severodvinsk (5). The remaining two ships of the first series will be modernized at the Hindustan shipyard (India, Hindustan SY Ltd). The modernization (apparently also under project 08773) included the installation of the Club-S ASCM complex with the Lama-ER control system, a new MGK-400IM (MGK-EM) sonar, as well as new control and maintenance systems (such as Palladium-M, etc.). In 2006, a contract was signed with Algeria for the modernization of two diesel-electric submarines (Admiralty Shipyards). Negotiations were also underway (as of 2007) on the repair and modernization of three Iranian submarines (Zvezdochka) – as of 2012, according to the IA, all submarines of project 877EKM of the Iranian Navy are in combat service.”

Construction

The first boat was built at Komsomolsk, and launched 12 September 1980, in service by April 1982. This class was also built a Gorkiy (Nizhny Novgorod) and Leningrad (St Petersburg). Launchings were one is September 1980 (in service Apr 1982), one in Aug 1981, two in 1983, three in 1984 (one export), four in 1985 (two export), four in 1986 (three export), four in 1987 (two export), four in 1988 (two export), four in 1989 (one export), four in 1990 one export), three in 1991 (one export), two in 1992 (one export), one in 1993 Komsomolsk, 6 October 1993). Submarine production at Nizhny has now shut down, and the unit at Komsomolsk was said to be the last ‘Kilo’ to be built there; further export units were built at a slow rate at Admiralty, St Petersburg. Del’fin, the last Russian Navy unit from Nizhny Novgorod, left the Black Sea for the Pacific Fleet in March 1992. Total for the Russian Navy: twenty-four.

Design of the class

Hull and general design

The submarine hull was the first in the USSR to be made in an “airship” shape with an optimal streamlining extension and a minimum of overboard openings. The length to width ratio was slightly more than 7. The chosen shape allowed for an increase in underwater speed and a decrease in noise, at the expense of worsening seaworthiness when on the surface.
The submarine has a double-hull design, traditional for the Soviet school of submarine shipbuilding. The light hull limits the developed bow end, in the upper part of which there are torpedo tubes, and the lower part is occupied by the developed main antenna of the Rubicon-M hydroacoustic system.

The sail above the central control room (second compartment) performs usual functions with a navigation bridge, air intakes, streamlining and protection of periscopes, antennas and other masts, with a sealed fender for the Strela-3M SAM.

The pressure hull is divided into six compartments:
-The first compartment is divided into three rooms by two decks. The upper one is occupied by torpedo weapons, the middle one – by living quarters, a wardroom, a hospital, and the lower one – by the first group of batteries.
-The second compartment is also two-deck. On the upper deck is the central post, the chart room, the radar and hydroacoustic operators’ cabins, and below them is the second deck, on which is located the communications cabin and the navigation equipment cabin and gyrocompass. In the hold of the compartment are located the provision chambers, as well as devices of the water and hydraulic systems. All retractable devices pass through this compartment.
-The third compartment is residential. Two decks are occupied by the crew’s quarters – a galley, a shower, living quarters, and the lowest room – by the second group of batteries.
-The fourth compartment is a diesel generator.
-The fifth compartment is an electric motor. From this compartment, the stern emergency buoy is released.
-The sixth compartment is the aft compartment, it contains the fuel-saving electric motor and rudder drives, and the aft hatch.

1 – main antenna of the Rubicon-M sonar
2 – 533 mm TTs
3 – first (bow or torpedo) compartment
4 – anchor capstan
5 – bow hatch
6 – spare torpedoes with a quick-loading device
7 — bow horizontal rudder with mechanism and drives
8 — living quarters
9 — bow AB group;
10 — gyrocompass repeater
11 — navigation bridge
12 — PK-8.5 attack periscope
13 — PZNG-8M anti-aircraft and navigation periscope
14 — PMU RDP device
15 — strong conning tower
16 — PMU antennas of the Kaskad radar
17 — PMU antennas of the Ramka radio direction finder
18 — PMU antennas of the MRP-25 SORS
19 — container (fender) for storing the Strela-3M MANPADS air defense missile system
20 — second compartment
21 — central post
22 — third (living) compartment
23 — stern group of the battery
24 — fourth (diesel generator) compartment
25 — DG
26 — cylinders of the high-pressure air defense system
27 — fifth (electric motor) compartment;
28 — GGED
29 — emergency buoy
30 — sixth (stern) compartment
31 —stern hatch
32 — GGED of economic speed
33 — stern rudder drives
34 — shaft line
35 — aft vertical stabilizer.

Habitability:
There are 45 berths for 57 crew members, including 12 officers, located in the cabins of the first and third compartments. Due to the lack of the required number of berths, the crew is accommodated in barracks at bases.

Powerplant

Project 877 submarines have a single-shaft power plant, implemented on the principle of full electric propulsion. Two diesel engines of the 4-2DL42M type have a capacity of 1000 kW at a rotation speed of 700 rpm, and work together with generators of the PG-142 type. The propulsion electric motor of the PG-101 model has a capacity of 4040 kW at 500 rpm and is duplicated by an economical electric motor of the PG-140 type (139 kW at 150 rpm). Two backup propellers of the “screw in a pipe” type are located in semi-circular tunnels in the stern section inside the light hull of the boat and are driven by backup PG-168 electric motors (2x 75 kW at 650 rpm).
The battery of the type 446 consists of two groups of 120 elements each, and is located on the lower decks of the 1st and 3rd compartments. Its energy capacity is sufficient for 400 miles of underwater travel at a speed of 3 knots. Cruising range under the RDP is 6,500 miles at 7 knots.

Armament

These boats received an automated weapons system. The armament included 6 torpedo tubes of 533 mm caliber, up to 18 torpedoes or 24 mines. In Soviet times, the ships were equipped with the Strela-3M defensive air defense missile system, which could be used when surfaced.

Eight Torpedo Tubes

Torpedo armament included four bow-mounted torpedo tubes, caliber 533 mm (can be fired under 100 m) and two 400 mm TA (under 250 m) with a total of 20 torpedoes in store. Same models as for the Project 659 boats: The main tubes fired the following:
SET-65 torpedoes “Yenot-2” (1965) 533 mm Guided Electrical Torpedo with active acoustic guidance, homing range 880 yards (800 m). 3,836 lbs. (1,740 kg), 307 in (7.800 m), WH 452 lbs. (205 kg), RA 17,500 yards (16,000 m)/40 knots, Silver-zinc battery.

SET 53-61 “Alligator”: (1961) 533mm Acoustic wake following homing torpedo. WH 672 lbs. (305 kg) RA 16,400 yds (15,000 m)/55 kts or 24,000/35, Pw Kerosene-Hydrogen Peroxide Turbine. Replaced by the 53-61M early on (1970s) which had a homing system.

MGT-1 400 mm Passive acoustic homing torpedo (1961): 1,124 lbs. (510 kg), 177 in (4.500 m) WH 176 lbs. (80 kg), RA 6,600 yards/28 kts, Silver-zinc battery.
First light-weight torpedo designed to provide submarines with a cheap self-defense weapons against other US subs. Service was short however.

Sensors

On Project 877 and 877V there was the following suite:
MRK-50 Kaskad radar, MGK-400 Rubikon sonar suite, MG-519 Arfa, MG-512 Vint, MG-53, MG-553 Shkert sonars, MRP-25 ECM suite, MVU-110 Uzel CCS
On Project 877E, EKM, and 877.3 there were the export equivalents (E), the remainder being the same:
MRK-50E Kaskad radar, MGK-400E Rubikon-E sonar suite, MG-519E Arfa-E, MRP-25E ECM suite.

Profile by mike1979russia, CC

Variants

Reportedly the first boats (Project 877) had three diesel generators (probably 1350 bhp each) and a 5000 hp motor. The corresponding export version, 877E, had six internal tubes, but (as in 877) none was fitted for wire-guided torpedoes. This version was supplied to Algeria, India (first three), Poland, and Romania.
-An improved Project 877M for the Soviet Navy (see below) still had four internal tubes, but all were fitted to fire wire-guided torpedoes (presumably the associated combat system computer could track and engage four targets simultaneously).
-The corresponding export Project 877EM (five to India), the type described here, has six internal tubes, two of which can fire wire-guided torpedoes.
-Project 877MK is an improved Soviet Navy version with a new command system based on pirated details of the Norwegian MSI-90U of the Ula class.
-Finally, Project 877EMK 1s the corresponding export version.
-Reportedly the first seven Russian boats were 877s, the next seven were 877M, the next seven were 877K, and the last two were 877EMK; the other five boats of this last series were, reportedly, offered to Iran (however, note that the list of completions shows twenty-four Russian boats).

Project 877M

Project 877M combat systems were built around a general purpose Conmputer (MVU-11OBM) receiving sonar data and transmits torpedo settings. Torpedoes can also be reloaded from the central Contral station using Murena panel to control an automatic rapid loader. They can be launched at a depth, presumably by water slug. The computer can automatically track and engage two targets using wire guided torpedoes (only two tubes are fitted to fire such weapons). More more targets can be tracked manually. The central Computer can also hold the submarine on an ordered course, and can solve navigational problems (eg. presumably, closest point of approach).
Reportedly the orginal Project 877 for the Soviet Navy had four intemal reloadable torpedo tubes and two external tubes (two tubes over four) like contemporary Soviet SSNs. None of the tubes could fire wire-guided weapons. Later versions have six internal tubes (also two tubes over four). Export units have a position for a shoulder-fired SA-N-5/8 missile (MANPAD) in the sail. Some boats may have automated four-round launchers, which can be used when the boat is surfaced, for a total of twelve missiles.

The “Kilo” were the first Soviet submarine to use true diesel-electric propulsion. It was probably adopted because it simplified silencing and because it allowed two compact diesels to drive the single screw that was hydrodynamically preferable. The batteries were a new high-capacity type (9,700 kW each). The propeller shaft can be turned by a creep motor. There are also two water channels let into the hull aft. Small low-speed propellers in them can be used in an emergency or for manoeuvering.

Project 877LPMB (B-800 Kaluga):

The B-800 Kaluga submarine was built in 1989, receiving an experimental propeller made of a special alloy “Aurora”, with 7 L-shaped blades. The boat was also equipped with an escape hatch, allowing evacuation from the submarine from a depth of up to 250 meters. The equipment of the electromechanical warhead (BC-5) was redesigned, the main propulsion electric motor and the fuel-saving engine were lower-speed, and therefore quieter, than on the two lead boats of the B-401 and B-402 projects. Additional navigation equipment was installed on the boat. As a result of the modernization, living conditions on the boat were somewhat cramped.
She was part of the Black Sea Fleet, then transferred to the Northern Fleet. While awaiting repairs, the submarine stood at the pier of the Zvezdochka shipyard for 9 years. Repair work began in 2011 and was completed in 2012. She is part of the 161st BrPL of the Kola Flotilla of the Northern Fleet’s mixed forces (based at Polyarny).

Project 877V diagram (B-871 “Alrosa”)

The B-871 “Alrosa” submarine of the basic project 877 was equipped with an experimental water-jet propulsion system instead of a propeller. The project received the code 877V, and after modernization the boat became the quietest boat of the project. For export, a modified version of the project was developed, which received the code 877E (Export). It differs mainly in terms of equipment and is not equipped with MANPADS.

877EKM

The export modification 877E was used to develop the 877EK (Export, Commercial) variant, never put into production but was modified under the code 877EKM (Export, Commercial, Modernized). The main emphasis during the modernization was on ensuring the operation of the submarine’s systems in tropical conditions. According to the project listing, 18 were built between 1983 and 2000.
Since 2004, the Indian Navy submarine Sindhukirti has been undergoing repairs and modernization in Visakhapatnam, and is scheduled to return to the fleet in 2014-2015. The main goal of the project is to increase capabilities of national companies, modernizing their own submarines.

Project 877.3

The modified 877EKM initially were designed for the Indian Navy with the formal code 08773. Differences consisted in the installation of the Club-S missile system, Lama-ER missile control system, new MGK-400EM (MGK-EM) sonar system, and improved control and maintenance systems. NATO designation “Improved Kilo”.

Project 636

Also known as the Varshavyanka class submarines. Project 636 Varshavyanka was developed for the Chinese PLAN on the basis of Project 877EKM, differing in equipment and hull modifications. About three dozen types of equipment components were specially developed for Project 636. As a result of the improvement of Project 636, Project 636M was created.
Project 636 is a proposed follow-on offered for export. It is slightly longer (242ft 2in/73.8m) and will displace 50t more than a Project 877. There would be a more powerful air-conditioning plant, for Mideast customers. The 5500hp motor will drive the boat at 19kts, and there will also be a 125hp (95kW) creep motor and a pair of 100hp (75kW) manoeuvering motors. Range: 7500nm at 7kts (snorkelling), 400nm at 3kts submerged. One version of this design may have a vertical cylinder abaft the sail to accommodate four vertically-launched cruise missiles. The torpedo armament offered matches that of a ‘Kilo’. The tail planes are in an inverted ‘Y’ configuration. China reportedly has ordered two boats.

‘Amur’ is a down-sized Project 877 also offered by the Rubin bureau. Rubin claims that it is built around a new kind of compact powerplant, presumably a diesel driving an AC generator, which can charge the battery through a solidstate inverter. Further automation will reduce the crew to 45 (3-shifts, 30 for two shifts). Displacement is cut to 1400-1900t, the boat can town an array, and weapons capacity is sixteen (six tubes).

The KILO class: Career

When introduced into service, the KILO appeared as the quietest Russian submarines ever, explained by the absence of turbo-gear units and pumps typical of nuclear submarines, as well as noisy diesel engines for surface running. This reduction in powerplant noise was complemented by a refined streamlining of the shape and hydroacoustic coating of the hull. The noise level at 2-5 knots was 80-90 dB per 1 Pa at a distance of one meter.
In May 1994, B-459 (Northern Fleet) made a call at the British submarine base of Gosport. Fist such visit ince World War II.
In May-June 2001, “Vologda” (Northern Fleet) made an official visit in UK for the centenary of Faslane naval base.
In October 2002, “Mogocha” (Pacific Fleet) made an official visit to Japan as part of a detachment and the international parade for the 50th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
On May 21–25, 2009, B-471 “Magnitogorsk” (Northern Fleet) took part in ceremonial events, for the centenary of the Norwegian submarine forces.
In June 2019, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a tender for the disposal of the earliest Project 877 submarines. Now as of 2025 all had been decommissioned and the Project 636 boats are now their replacement.

B-248 was laid down on Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 16 March 1980, launched on 12 September 1980 and completed on 31 December 1980. Decommissioned 2001

B-260 (later Chita ) was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 22 February 1981, launched on 23 August 1981 and completed on 30 December 1981, assigned to the Pacific Fleet. Decommissioned 2013, sank partially on way to scrap in 2019.

B-227 (later Vyborg) was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 23 February 1982, launched on 16 September 1982 and completed on 23 February 1983, Black Sea Fleet. She was decommissioned in 2018 and preserved for an exhibit of the Patriot park in Kronstadt.

B-229 was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 23 February 1983, launched on 15 July 1983 and completed on 30 October 1983. Presumably Baltic Fleet. She was Decommissioned on 2002.

B-404 was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 7 May 1983, launched on 24 September 1983 and completed on 30 December 1983. She was Decommissioned in 2002.

B-401 (later renamed Novosibirsk) was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod on 6 October 1982, launched on 15 March 1984 and completed on 30 September 1984, accepted in the Northern Fleet. Decommissioned in 2012.

B-402 (later renamed Vologda) was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod on 24 August 1983, launched on 29 September 1984 and commissioned on 30 December 1984, assigned to the Northern Fleet. Decommissioned in 2016.

B-405 (ex Tyumenskiy Komsomolets) was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 20 April 1984, launched on 21 September 1984 and completed on 30 December 1984. Presumably Baltic Fleet. Decommissioned in 2002.

B-470 was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 6 May 1985, launched on 27 August 1985, completed on 30 December 1985. Presumably Baltic Fleet, decommissioned 2005.

B-806 (later Dmitrov) was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod on 15 October 1984 as an experimental 877EKM derived from the Indian variant, launched on 30 April 1986 and completed on 25 September 1986. Assigned to the Baltic Fleet, Active 2018, discarded since.

B-439 was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 4 April 1986, launched on 31 July 1986 and completed on 30 December 1986.; Decommissioned 2005.

B-445 (later renamed Svyatoi Nikolai Chudotvorets) was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 21 March 1987, launched on 26 September 1987 and completed on 30 January 1988, assigned to the Pacific Fleet. May have been decommissioned in 2020, only listed active by a single source. Probably discarded as of 2025.

B-808 was laid down at Yaroslavl NYD, Nizhniy Novgorod on 29 September 1986, launched on 30 July 1988 and completed on 27 December 1988. She was accepted in the Northern Fleet, until decommissioned in 2022.

B-394 (renamed Nurlat) was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 15 April 1988, launched on 3 September 1988 and completed on 30 December 1988, assigned to the Pacific Fleet and active in 2018, likely discarded as of 2025.

B-800 (ex-Vologodskij komsomolets, renamed Kaluga) was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod as an experimental 877LPMB on 5 March 1987, launched on 7 May 1989 and completed on 30 September 1989, assigned to the Northern Fleet, and refitted in 2009–2012, active as of 2022.

B-464 (renamed Ust’-Kamchatsk) was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 26 May 1989, launched on 23 September 1989 and completed on 30 January 1990, assigned to the Pacific Fleet, listed as Active in 2018, likely discarded as of 2025.

B-459 (later renamed Vladikavkaz) was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod on 25 February 1988, launched on 29 April 1990 and completed on 30 September 1990, assigned to the Northern Fleet. Refitted in 2011–15, active, assighned to the Baltic Sea from 3 July 2018 to take part in the Main Naval Parade in St Petersburg on 29 July. Status unknown as of 2025.

B-871 (renamed Alrosa) was laid down on 17 May 1988 at Nizhniy Novgorod, listed as Pr.877 but heavily modified. Launched on September 1989, commissioned on 30 December 1990 for the Baltic Fleet, completely rebuilt and modernized 2014–2022, active.

B-471 was laid down at Magnitogorsk, Nizhniy Novgorod on 26 October 1988, launched on 22 September 1990 and completed on 30 December. Assigned to the Northern Fleet, list as active in 2018.

B-494 (later renamed Ust’-Bolsheretsk) was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur on 5 May 1990, launched on 4 October 1990 and completed on 30 December 1990, assigned to the Pacific Fleet. Decommissioned in 2023.

B-187 was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur NyD on 7 May 1991, launched on 5 October 1991 and completed on 30 December 1991, assigned to the Pacific Fleet. Listed as Active in 2018.

B-177 (renamed Lipetsk) was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod NyD on 3 November 1989, launched on 27 July 1991 and commissioned on 30 December 1991, assigned to the Northern Fleet, listed as active by 2018.

B-190 (renamed Krasnokamensk) was laid eown at Komsomolsk-on-Amur NyD on 8 May 1992, launched on 25 September and completed on 30 December, assigned to the Pacific Fleet. She was decommissioned in 2023.

B-345 (later renamed Mogocha) was laid down at Komsomolsk-on-Amur NyD on 22 April 1993, launched on 6 October 1993 and completed on 22 January 1994. She was Decommissioned on 29 May 2021.

Exports

B-351 was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod as the first project 877E (export variant for the warsaw pact and beyond) on 29 September 1984. She was lainched on 7 June 1985 and commissioned on 29 April 1986, active as of 2010.

B-801 was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod as a 877E (export) model, the second after Poland in 1984, launched in 1985 and completed in August 1985. Transferred (sold) to Romania, current status Unknown but in reserve since 1995.

India became the best customer for the Project 877 submarines. In total, eight “Kilo”, the first Project 877EKM, were purchased over the years, here is the class in detail:
S55 Sindhughosh was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 29 May 1983, launched on 29 July 1985 and completed on 25 November 1985.
S56 Sindhudhvaj was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 1 April 1986, launched on 27 July 1986 and completed on 25 November 1986.
S57 Sindhuraj was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod in 1986, launched in 1987 and commissioned on 2 September 1987.
S58 Sindhuvir was commissioned on 26 August 1988.
S59 Sindhuratna was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod in 1987, launched on 1988 and commissioned on 14 August 1988.
S60 Sindhukesari was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 20 April 1988, launched on 16 August 1988 and commissioned on 29 October 1988.
S61 Sindhukirti was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 5 April 1989, launched on 26 August 1989 and commissioned on 30 October 1989.
S62 Sindhuvijay was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 6 April 1990, launched on 27 July 1990 and completed on 27 October 1990.
S63 Sindhurakshak was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 16 February 1995, launched on 26 June 1997 and completed on 2 October 1997.
S65 Sindhurashtra was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 12 December 1998, launched on 14 October 1999 and commissioned on 16 May 2000.
The Project 877EKM submarines are considered the blueprint for the Project 636 submarines, solely produced for export. They were exported indeed to Iran, China, India, Poland, Romania, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Algeria. China’s two EKM were the start of a local production of the type. Iran had three of them. In Indian they replaced the Foxtrot class submarines in service, built and delivered from 1967 to 1974.
The 877 EKM are powered by two 1,000kW diesel generators, one 5,500hp propulsion motor from Elektrosila and Kolomensky Zavod, plus a backup emergency 190hp motor for economic running and two 102hp standby propulsion systems. Seven-blade fixed-pitch propeller a the regular Kilo class. 10kts surfaced, 17kts when submerged. Maximum diving depth 300m. Range 6,000 miles at 7 knot and 400 miles submerged at 3 knots. The boat has the same lenght as the regular 877, but is wider and heavier, 2,300t surfaced and 3,950t submerged versus 2325/3075 tonnes.
The 877 EKM has the MGK-400 sonar, ESM, radar warning receiver, direction finder. Upgraded MVU-110EM computer capable of tracking 5 targets simultaneously.
As for the armament, it came with six tubes, 18 heavyweight torpedoes (six ine tubes, 12 on racks) and automatic rapid loader. Originally the same TEST-71MKE TV electric homing torpedoes, UGST wake-homing torpedoes, or mines. For air air defence they had eight Strela-3 or Igla MANPADS (SA-N-8 Gremlin/SA-N-10 Gimlet).
The ten Indian navy vessels were retrofitted with the Novator 3M-14 land-attack cruise missile (Klub-S system) with a range of 275km and 499kg warhead.

-901 Taregh was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 5 April 1991, launched 25 September 1991 and completed on 25 December 1991
-902 Noah was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 30 April 1992, launched on 16 October 1992 and completed on 31 December 1992
-903 Yunes was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 5 February 1992, launched on 12 July 1994 and completed on 2 September 1996
Status: Active as 2011. Probably in modernization in an Iranian shipyard.

-364 Yuan Zheng 64 Hao was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod probably as an 877EKM, launched in 1994, completed in 10 November 1994.
-365 Yuan Zheng 65 Hao was ordered to Nizhniy Novgorod, launched in 1995 and completed on 14 August 1995.
Both were decommissioned in 2021.

In total the Algerian successively acquired two original Kilo (Project 877EKM), and four Improved Kilo (Project 636).
-012 Rais Hadj Mubarek was laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod in 1985, launched on 1986 and completed on 29 November 1986.
-013 El Hadj Slimane, laid down at Nizhniy Novgorod in 1986, launched in 1987 and completed on 25 November 1987.
They were upgraded in 2010 to be able to launch Kalibr/Club missiles.

S71 UMS Minye Theinkhathu was the ex-Sindhuvir. She was laid down at Saint Petersburg on 15 May 1987, launched on 13 September 1987 and commissioned 25 December 1987. She was modernized to project 08773 in 1997–1999 by Russia for transfer to the Myanmar Navy in 2020.

Read More/Src

Books

Darman, Peter, ed. (2004). 21 Century Submarines and Warships. Military Handbooks. Grange Books.
Gardiner, Robert; Chumbley, Stephen; Budzbon, Przemysław, eds. (1995). Conway’s All the World’s Fighting Ships 1947–1995.
Breemer, Jan S. (1989). Soviet Submarines: Design, Development and Tactics. Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane’s Information Group.
Miller, David; Jordan, John (1987). Modern Submarine Warfare. New York: Military Press.
Miller, David (1989). Modern Submarines. Combat Arms. New York: Prentice Hall Press.
Polmar, Norman; Moore, Kenneth J. (2004). Cold War Submarines: The Design and Construction of U.S. and Soviet Submarines. Potomac Books.
Polmar, Norman; Noot, Jurrien S. (1991). Submarines of the Russian and Soviet Navies, 1718-1990. NIP

Links

ckb-rubin.ru/project_877/
ckb-rubin.ru/ project_877ekm/
vz.ru/society/ 2008 archives
archive.ph/ alrosa.net photos
deepstorm.ru
navypedia.org/
web.archive.org sinodefence.com kilo.asp
web.archive.org ship.bsu.by/
en.wikipedia.org/ Kilo-class_submarine
rg.ru/2 /chernaia podlodku-v-mire
www.naval-technology /kilo/

Videos

on HI Sutton

Model Kits

on scalemates.com