Indian Naval Discussion

Anoop. A. · Post by **Anoop. A.** » 04 May 2010 20:59

Wikipedia informs me that the caliber of RBU-6000 Smerch-2 antisubmarine rocket launcher is 213mm.

My question is whether an RBU-6000 be fired from a naval artillery gun, if the barrel of gun is of matching caliber???

Granted, you give up salvo firing capability, but if it is possible, then there would be no need for the asw rocket launcher system, which leads to an overall stealthier ship.

And an entirely different and stupid question - why can’t we develop a navalised version of the Arjun MBT Gun turret to be used as a naval artillery system???

jaladipc · Post by **jaladipc** » 04 May 2010 21:00

That EO system we are talking here might be one of this kind from DRDO/BEL stable

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8gXQngrI7x8/S ... an0019.jpg

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 04 May 2010 21:23

GD, its nice to see you take time out from nukkad and talking tech again. Should do it more it was really informative to see it from your wuff wuff angle

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 04 May 2010 21:31

yes that EO system looks more like the BEL version than the elop models though just from round ball once cannot predict for sure whats inside. this fulfills one of my long felt br-demands to equip IN ships with EO systems. great for policing sea lanes also and sneaking up on suspected craft without tipping off rwr.

wrt to naval artillery there is a diff between tank guns/turrets and true SP gun systems which likely have heavier
barrels and can sit all day pounding at targets steadily. for one thing most SP guns have charges and shells
separate to tailor the range while tanks have unibody ammo. also SP guns have a heavier shell (155mm) and
automatic system to load charges and shells - something which would tire out the tanks loader in short order.

hence the germans experimented with Pzh2000 in naval application. not sure what came of it.

this would be another example of Shiv's thing about following the ERGM fetish of the USN when we need
to tailor the main cannon more towards a anti missile role rather than pounding mud hutments on some
distant shore

I would be looking at a twin 3" cannon which can fire some radar proximity type rounds rapidly at incoming
missiles or aircraft.

if and when we have LPH/LPD to send marines storming ashore, provision could be kept for having the
winner of our SP gun contract fit a couple of turrets somewhere and a magazine of 5000 rounds to
function as a shore bombardment cruiser after unloading troops.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 05 May 2010 06:26

SSN Nerpa completes trials – director of USC

State trials of nuclear-powered submarine Nerpa experienced serious breakdown in 2008 are proceeding to completion, works are carried out on time, said Tuesday Roman Trotsenko, head of United Shipbuilding Corporation meeting with Russian premier Vladimir Putin.

"Speaking of other complicated project of the last year, we're completing state trials of nuclear submarine Nerpa at the Far East. And everything's according to plan so far", said Trotsenko.

On Nov 8, 2008 during first sea trials of SSN Nerpa built at Amur Shipyard in Komsomolsk, as a consequence of inadvertent operation of firefighting system LOH (submarine, volumetric, chemical), freon gas started to enter compartments. 20 people died and 21 were intoxicated out of 208 attendants, mostly specialists of the shipyard and experts from Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Experts inspected all systems of the sub after the accident but have not found any serious damages. Nevertheless, all sections of compartment which had been polluted by gas needed to be washed off; freon was replaced. Results of investigation carried out by special board are classified. In total, Amur Shipyard expended 1.9 bln RUR on the sub's recovery.

After repair, the sub has successfully passed all required phases of builder's and state trials.

The submarine is expected to be leased to India for 10 years. According to Russian media, the contract value is $650 mln.

SSN Nerpa is a third-generation submarine. Her displacement is 8,140/12,770 tons; maximum speed is 30 knots; test depth is 600 meters; endurance is 100 days; crew is 73. Armament contains four 533-mm torpedo tubes and four 650-mm torpedo tubes. However, torpedoes of this caliber were removed from operational status after accident happened to SSN Kursk in 2000.

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 05 May 2010 21:12

Indian Navy UAV Crashes

It happened in Kochi. I asked the kochi PRO, he said that its Israeli made but does not know the model yet.

John · Post by **John** » 05 May 2010 22:00

Singha wrote:hence the germans experimented with Pzh2000 in naval application. not sure what came of it.

Problem with using large caliber main gun is that it will annihilate the ship rather than disabling it in piracy missions and also their slow rate of fire reduces their effectiveness against small gunboats. If you recall the incident in Strait of Hormuz when dozen or so iranian vessels harassed US ships in 2008.

bhavani · Post by **bhavani** » 05 May 2010 23:47

The Phz2000 on F-124, Nothing ever came out of it. The Project was called MONARC or something similar. They had stabilization problems and also the controlling the recoil needed a elaborate elastic mounting. Also converting all the Phz2000 systems for sea use was painful and then the project was abandoned.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 06 May 2010 06:54

what kind of gun portfolio and ammo is available with oerlikon and oto-breda would be good to study. we have little need for a extended range siege gun of the USN ERDM DD21 type. we need fast firing guns with a range of ammo to take on FACs and ASMs mostly. anything that can supplement the barak1 and ak630 is good thing.

nachiket · Post by **nachiket** » 06 May 2010 07:55

chackojoseph wrote:Indian Navy UAV Crashes

It happened in Kochi. I asked the kochi PRO, he said that its Israeli made but does not know the model yet.

Navy uses only Searcher IIs AFAIK.

sum · Post by **sum** » 06 May 2010 08:31

Confirmed that its a searcher-II. More info here:
UAV on training sortie crash-lands

KOCHI: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated by the Indian Navy crashed between Vathuruthy and Katari Bagh short of the runway at INS Garuda at the Southern Naval Command here at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The UAV, the Israel-made Searcher Mark-II, was on a routine training sortie and was approaching the runway for landing when it came down crashing. According to sources, “the crash did not appear to be very serious prima facie” and the damage sustained by the aircraft on the impact of crash is “repairable”.

“The UAV has been salvaged,” they said. The Navy, it is believed, will approach the IAI - original equipment manufacturer - to do the repairs .

“The accident occurred just short of the runway, as it was approaching for landing. There are no casualties or injuries. A detailed inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” said a Navy spokesperson here.

The Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 342 ‘Flying Sentinels', Southern Naval Command-based first UAV squadron of the Navy, operates a dozen Herons and Searcher Mark-IIs built by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Although the UAVs were inducted into the Navy in Kochi as early as 2003, a full-fledged squadron was formed only in 2006 after intensive flying trial. It has so far maintained an incident-free record.

The UAVs fly regular tactical missions from INS Garuda and are relied upon for maritime reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. Equipped with state-of-the-art synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optic (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors, the ground-controlled UAVs are capable of capturing and relaying real-time images of locations and targets to a shore-based control room or a ship, thereby contributing immensely to the navy's maritime domain awareness.

As for the Searcher Mark-II UAV, it has a short-take off and landing; an endurance of about 20 hours covering over a hundred mile area; low-noise to dodge detection and the capability to operate in adverse weather conditions.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 06 May 2010 11:11

maybe a glitch in comms link or wind shear over runway. unlike the eitan/ghawk types, searcher or heron do not have automatic takeoff and landing ability.

Suraj · Post by **Suraj** » 06 May 2010 20:07

Cochin has been buffeted by strong evening winds and thundershowers lately.

John · Post by **John** » 06 May 2010 20:29

Singha wrote:what kind of gun portfolio and ammo is available with oerlikon and oto-breda would be good to study. we have little need for a extended range siege gun of the USN ERDM DD21 type. we need fast firing guns with a range of ammo to take on FACs and ASMs mostly. anything that can supplement the barak1 and ak630 is good thing.

Oto Melara does sell the DART ammo for engaging missiles it uses RF guidance and has been tested successfully. As for IN i believe there is speculation that P-15A will house A-192M 130 mm gun, currently the navy is looking at various vendors for larger caliber gun to complement the Oto SRs.

Rupak · Post by **Rupak** » 06 May 2010 20:42

John wrote:
Singha wrote:Oto Melara does sell the DART ammo for engaging missiles it uses RF guidance and has been tested successfully. As for IN i believe there is speculation that P-15A will house A-192M 130 mm gun, currently the navy is looking at various vendors for larger caliber gun to complement the Oto SRs.

MDL told Maz that all future destroyers sized warships 15A, 15B and 17A will mount the Oto Melara 127/64 Lightweight Naval Gun. BHEL has already recieved a letter of intent for 30 of these guns. It might also involve retrofitting the existing P-15s.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 06 May 2010 21:12

same gun is in use on F126 and Fremm ships. sounds like a good piece of engineering.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otobreda_127/64

the DART thing sound almost like a small RF guided missile in itself which receives commands but has no onboard seeker
http://www.deagel.com/Weapon-Stations/D ... 48001.aspx

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 07 May 2010 07:29

Indian Coast Guard issues RFI for shore based helicopter

Following the Indian navy RFI for a new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has issued a Request for Inquiry (RFI) to procure a new shore-based helicopter. As per the RFI, the ICG is looking to procure 14 twin engine helicopters for Maritime Surveillance, Interdiction and SAR with an MTOW not exceeding 12,000 kilograms capable of stage through operations from its Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) with an MTOW reduced to 10000 kilograms.

The RFI also seeks to gather information pertaining to the integration of cabin mount guns, both for 7.62mm and 12.7mm (.50 cal) guns. In addition, information on the choppers capability to integrate 20/30mm guns is also sought. The RFI states that the interested bidders may furnish the details by 04 June 2010, after which the RFP will be launched.

nachiket · Post by **nachiket** » 07 May 2010 08:46

Craig Alpert wrote:Indian Coast Guard issues RFI for shore based helicopter

Following the Indian navy RFI for a new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has issued a Request for Inquiry (RFI) to procure a new shore-based helicopter. As per the RFI, the ICG is looking to procure 14 twin engine helicopters for Maritime Surveillance, Interdiction and SAR with an MTOW not exceeding 12,000 kilograms capable of stage through operations from its Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) with an MTOW reduced to 10000 kilograms.

The RFI also seeks to gather information pertaining to the integration of cabin mount guns, both for 7.62mm and 12.7mm (.50 cal) guns. In addition, information on the choppers capability to integrate 20/30mm guns is also sought. The RFI states that the interested bidders may furnish the details by 04 June 2010, after which the RFP will be launched.

Twin-engined and 12000kg MTOW with surveillance, interdiction and SAR capabilities sounds tailor made for the EC-725, S-92 and NH-90.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 08 May 2010 08:17

latest article from flightblobal on P8 plane
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... avado.html

note - it has heated internal bay for 5 weapons and 4 underwing hardpoints for ASMs - harpoons in our case most likely or AM39/NSM should we desire.

the cutaway diagram shows the internal fitment although text is too small to make out the part names. if anyone can scan a hi res copy
of that cutaway, we can feast on the flesh.

compared to the interior and crew conditions of the Bear, this is probably business class in comparison.

but due to their probe refueling system, either we need some new probe on Midas or this puppy is restricted to 2200km radius
and 4 hrs on station at that radius, which N times less than Bears.

maybe we should pay boeing to install fixed refueling probe and attendant pump system ? it is said the hose and drogue
method transfers too less fuel for large a/c to tank up quickly though. if boeing is too busy maybe they can supply the data
to IAI who has some experience in conversions?

arun · Post by **arun** » 08 May 2010 15:55

Craig Alpert wrote:Indian Coast Guard issues RFI for shore based helicopter

Following the Indian navy RFI for a new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has issued a Request for Inquiry (RFI) to procure a new shore-based helicopter. As per the RFI, the ICG is looking to procure 14 twin engine helicopters for Maritime Surveillance, Interdiction and SAR with an MTOW not exceeding 12,000 kilograms capable of stage through operations from its Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) with an MTOW reduced to 10000 kilograms.

The RFI also seeks to gather information pertaining to the integration of cabin mount guns, both for 7.62mm and 12.7mm (.50 cal) guns. In addition, information on the choppers capability to integrate 20/30mm guns is also sought. The RFI states that the interested bidders may furnish the details by 04 June 2010, after which the RFP will be launched.

8ak has got it wrong.

It was also the Indian Coast Guard, not the Indian Navy, which had put out the RFI for 16 Ship Borne Light Helicopters. The Ship Borne helicopters are for Maritime Surveillance, Interdiction and SAR with a MTOW not exceeding 6,500 Kgs and capable of operations off OPVs and AOPVs. Details here:

RFI Ship Borne Light Helicopter

Regards the Coast Guard RFI for 14 Twin Engine Shore based Helicopters for Maritime Surveillance, Interdiction and SAR with MTOW not exceeding 12,000 Kg capable of stage through operations off OPVs and AOPVs with an MTOW reduced to 10,000 Kgs, more details here:

RFI Shore Based Helicopter

Kersi D · Post by **Kersi D** » 08 May 2010 16:25

nachiket wrote:
Craig Alpert wrote:Indian Coast Guard issues RFI for shore based helicopter

Following the Indian navy RFI for a new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has issued a Request for Inquiry (RFI) to procure a new shore-based helicopter. As per the RFI, the ICG is looking to procure 14 twin engine helicopters for Maritime Surveillance, Interdiction and SAR with an MTOW not exceeding 12,000 kilograms capable of stage through operations from its Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) with an MTOW reduced to 10000 kilograms.

The RFI also seeks to gather information pertaining to the integration of cabin mount guns, both for 7.62mm and 12.7mm (.50 cal) guns. In addition, information on the choppers capability to integrate 20/30mm guns is also sought. The RFI states that the interested bidders may furnish the details by 04 June 2010, after which the RFP will be launched.
Twin-engined and 12000kg MTOW with surveillance, interdiction and SAR capabilities sounds tailor made for the EC-725, S-92 and NH-90.

Why not a common airframe for Navy and Coast Guard ? IN has been talking about NH 90p since 10 years

K

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 08 May 2010 17:30

Singha wrote:
<SNIP>

compared to the interior and crew conditions of the Bear, this is probably business class in comparison.

<SNIP>

I can vouch for that....

kvraghav · Post by **kvraghav** » 09 May 2010 01:33

http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac4/ ... o1/21f.gif
Could some one please confirm my observations from this photo:
1)The first chopper on the left is DHRUV
2)The main rotors of the DHRUV are folded back.

Venu · Post by **Venu** » 09 May 2010 02:10

^^It does look like a dhruv. It is a dhruv. Is this a PS or CG work? When did HAL come up with folded rotars? I remember gurus saying that dhruv has a hingeless rotor which makes it hard to design a folding rotar config.

Now, which evil yindoo has bent the rotors of dhruv back?

Rupak · Post by **Rupak** » 09 May 2010 02:11

kvraghav wrote:http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac4/ ... o1/21f.gif
Could some one please confirm my observations from this photo:
1)The first chopper on the left is DHRUV
2)The main rotors of the DHRUV are folded back.

That's correct. The Dhruv's rotors do indeed fold back. However, the Navy's complaint is that this has to be done manually, which on smaller ships in difficult sea states is a fraught task.

Anoop. A. · Post by **Anoop. A.** » 09 May 2010 02:15

1) Yup, it's the ALH Dhruv. Indian Navy had flight tested Dhruv in an ASW role some time back. I think there were pictures of Dhruv firing torpedoes in LIVEFIST. However, it was reported that the Navy did not find Dhruv appealing in ASW role. Though Indian Navy does own and operate ALH Druv in transport role.

2) Folding rotors are new info to me. But that was to be expected (as standard) for any ship based naval rotary craft.

Anoop. A. · Post by **Anoop. A.** » 09 May 2010 02:16

Venu wrote:^^It does look like a dhruv. It is a dhruv. Is this a PS or CG work? When did HAL come up with folded rotars? I remember gurus saying that dhruv has a hingeless rotor which makes it hard to design a folding rotar config.

Now, which evil yindoo has bent the rotors of dhruv back?

NOT a PS/CG job....my best guess is HAL used imported rotors.

BR page on Naval Dhruv - http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/ALH.html
Livefist link on Dhruv firing Torpedoes - http://livefist.blogspot.com/2009/08/ph ... rpedo.html
Zee News Report - http://www.zeenews.com/Nation/2008-10-2 ... 5news.html

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 09 May 2010 17:14

kvraghav wrote:http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac4/ ... o1/21f.gif
Could some one please confirm my observations from this photo:
1)The first chopper on the left is DHRUV
2)The main rotors of the DHRUV are folded back.

When I visited Shikra, the Alouettes had it folded too.

Kersi D · Post by **Kersi D** » 10 May 2010 01:49

We are all talking IN needing xx AA destroyers, zz MP frigates and yy ASW corvettes etc etc. Why don't we use our existing assets in the seas off Maharashtra and Gujarat ?

An out-of-the-box suggestion.

The well platforms of ONGC. You must be aware that ONGC has a large number ( 50 - 70) process- and well- platforms in the seas around Mumbai. A substantial number of these platforms are un manned

On these platform we can have say
A troop with MANPADS
A sonar on the platform with the transducer well below the sea level say 20 - 40 m below sea level/ A typical dipping sonar with the transducer fixed to one of the legs of the platform
A triple ASW torpedo launcher

These can be well used as point defence systems

Kersi

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 10 May 2010 08:07

ONGC platforms have manpad defences . or atleast they have them when times are tense. old India Today article iirc.

but in the cramped and dense env of a oil platform, it might be hard to retrofit bigger stuff.

due to high RCS, these platforms will attracts ASMs like honey does a bee.

we need a proper SOSUS lines, though these platforms can also drop some fishing lines....processing can be onshore
and P28 type ASW corvettes are best as shooters.

viveks · Post by **viveks** » 10 May 2010 16:07

Folks...slightly off topic here. The following picture is of very significant value.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o_no4M2xEPY/S ... 757631.jpg

This picture depicts our good navy folks indicating a symbol of peace & prosperity instead of war and destruction. It is a message from the captain to its leadership that we are going to be living in times that is going to be very good to us...that we shall enjoy and live a good life.

youhooo!!!!

PS: Ghumara Hai....

Kersi D · Post by **Kersi D** » 10 May 2010 18:50

Singha wrote:
but in the cramped and dense env of a oil platform, it might be hard to retrofit bigger stuff.

Not necessary. The process platforms and the water injection platforms would be very cramped and it would be rather dangerous to fire MANPADS form them. But ONGC has a lot of well platforms. These are un manned and it may not be too difficult to put a team with MANPADS, with extra missiles.

Besides the MANPADS team need not be there all the time. They should make provisions that a team can be "easily" airlifted to the platform. And they can use them for exercises and developing different tactics against different threats.

There is one more issue. If the insurance companies hears of ONGC putting explosives on these platforms, the insurance premium would go through the roof.

K

Kersi D · Post by **Kersi D** » 10 May 2010 19:09

Singha wrote: we need a proper SOSUS lines, though these platforms can also drop some fishing lines....processing can be onshore
and P28 type ASW corvettes are best as shooters.

We can have a light weight, like a dunking, sonar on these platforms. Since the position of the platforms is already known to all and sundry, we use a active sonar. These platforms can be a networked to be part of the SOSUS. The transducer need not be hauled up like for a helicopter. It should be such that a team on the platform "hears" that sonar at the same time the same signal is sent to the "main" station which may be on land. The lamd station can pin point the intruder using inputs form multiple platforms. This system is to be used only to detect, identify and pin point the intruder. A P 28 or a good ASW helicopter with torpedoes would be stationed in the vicinity to send the intruder to the 72 eager virgins

K

PS We can use a regular submarine sonar to confuse the intruder

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 10 May 2010 20:32

pakis are expected to target offshore oil platforms using midget submarines.

sohamn · Post by **sohamn** » 10 May 2010 20:38

Anoop. A. wrote:
Venu wrote:^^It does look like a dhruv. It is a dhruv. Is this a PS or CG work? When did HAL come up with folded rotars? I remember gurus saying that dhruv has a hingeless rotor which makes it hard to design a folding rotar config.

Now, which evil yindoo has bent the rotors of dhruv back?
NOT a PS/CG job....my best guess is HAL used imported rotors.

BR page on Naval Dhruv - http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/ALH.html
Livefist link on Dhruv firing Torpedoes - http://livefist.blogspot.com/2009/08/ph ... rpedo.html
Zee News Report - http://www.zeenews.com/Nation/2008-10-2 ... 5news.html

I thought the main objection the navy had was Dhruv didn't have foldable rotor wings for which it had difficulty in parking Dhruvs in heli hanger. If this problem has been resolved then why is this not acceptable in the navy.

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 10 May 2010 22:03

Russia to build submarine-detecting satellite
http://rianovosti.com/russia/20100415/158597419.html
Russia could build a satellite for the detection and tracking of submarines from space, a defense industry spokesman said on Thursday.
Vladimir Boldyrev, of the Kosmonit science and technology center, said the group had developed a space satellite module that could carry out remote sensing of the sea and "detect submerged submarines.""Hopefully, it will be tested in space as early as 2011," he said, adding that work on the module started over a decade ago.He offered no indication as to when the new satellite would enter service with the Russian Armed Forces.Boldyrev added that the dual-use module would be used for both defense and civilian purposes, in particular, providing meteorological data.

Can this tech be brought to India to keep eye on Paki and Chinnese Subs ?

Ajit.C · Post by **Ajit.C** » 10 May 2010 22:19

Perhaps the rotors were folded manually.

putnanja · Post by **putnanja** » 11 May 2010 01:25

Work begins on SBTF at Goa Shipyard

PANAJI: The first steel-cutting ceremony to mark the commencement of structural work on the state-of-the-art Shore-Based Test Facility (SBTF) was held at the Goa Shipyard Ltd., a Goa-based public sector shipyard, on Monday.

The proposed SBTF, when operational, will provide India a facility to test developmental aircraft before they are cleared for use on board aircraft carriers.

It will also provide the Indian Navy with a facility to hone the skills of its pilots before they are deployed on board.
..
..
The SBTF, being set up at the Naval Air Station, Goa, by the Aeronautical Development Agency, is a unique testing facility in the South Asian region and the third in the world, said an official spokesman of GSL. The facility will be used to simulate an aircraft carrier for full-fledged flight testing of ship-borne attack aircraft as well as for training of pilots.
...
..

parshuram · Post by **parshuram** » 11 May 2010 13:30

ARMS TASS -> Russian Commander says two Akula's

Two nuclear submarines of project 941 "Shark" will remain in the Navy of Russia until 2019

NOVOROSSIYSK, May 7. (ITAR-TASS). The two remaining nuclear submarines of Project 941 "Akula" will remain in the Russian Navy until 2019, told the Navy commander Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky RF. "We were not written down to the 19 th year, they remain in the fleet, at a minimum, unless it decides otherwise," - he said, stressing that "modernization opportunities are very large, there are several options." Vysotsky said that a particular decision, "what to do with submarines yet." Heavy missile submarines of project 941 "Akula" are considered the world's largest nuclear submarines

Link

PS : Please bear with translation quality

sombhat · Post by **sombhat** » 11 May 2010 13:50

parshuram wrote:ARMS TASS -> Russian Commander says two Akula's

Two nuclear submarines of project 941 "Shark" will remain in the Navy of Russia until 2019

NOVOROSSIYSK, May 7. (ITAR-TASS). The two remaining nuclear submarines of Project 941 "Akula" will remain in the Russian Navy until 2019, told the Navy commander Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky RF. "We were not written down to the 19 th year, they remain in the fleet, at a minimum, unless it decides otherwise," - he said, stressing that "modernization opportunities are very large, there are several options." Vysotsky said that a particular decision, "what to do with submarines yet." Heavy missile submarines of project 941 "Akula" are considered the world's largest nuclear submarines

Link

PS : Please bear with translation quality

I think he is talking about the Russian Akula class (NATO Typhoon class) which are mammoth SSBNs. We are getting Russian Schuhuka B or NATO Akula II class SSN (s). So, still one confirmed Akula for us.