Russian "White Wax Tree" - M Nuclear Submarine: NATO's "Underwater Nightmare"

Reference News Network reported on August 31 According to the Russian "Newspaper of New Messages" website on August 26, the "Borey"-M class nuclear submarine is one of the most advanced submarines in its class. The first submarine, "Kazan," has been put into combat duty, while another submarine of the same type, "Ulyanovsk," was launched in 2026. This class of submarines is difficult to detect and is equipped with "Kalibr" and "Onyx" cruise missiles as well as "Zircon" hypersonic cruise missiles. The 885M type "Borey"-M class is Russia's fourth-generation multifunctional nuclear submarine, replacing the Soviet 971 type "Shchuka"-B class submarines.

Radio engineer and military expert Sergey Yesenin pointed out that the "Borey"-M not only instills fear in opponents but also triggers "instinctive fear."

He told a reporter from the "Newspaper of New Messages": "Any modern weapon is intimidating, but in terms of our weapons, we can also add the 'instinctive fear' that potential opponents harbor. Through the modernization of the 'Borey,' although the size of the submarine has been reduced, its stealth performance and the versatility of its combat equipment have been significantly enhanced. This 'little guy' can silently approach targets from anywhere on Earth—capable of sustaining itself for 100 days without refueling and can operate continuously for 30 years—while also launching self-guided torpedoes to attack and 'subdue' any underwater or surface target within a radius of 60 kilometers. After being equipped with 'Kalibr' and 'Onyx' missiles, it can 'restore' land order within a radius of 1000 kilometers. With the addition of 'Zircon' hypersonic missiles, this range expands to 2500 kilometers."

Military analyst and veteran Andrei Kashkarov introduced that the deployment of the "Borey"-M into combat duty is a natural process of weapon evolution.

He said: "The deployment of the 'Borey'-M class (885M type) nuclear submarine into combat duty is both a requirement of the times and a necessity in the military-industrial competition with potential opponents."

The main difference between the "Borey" and its predecessor submarines lies in the use of modern composite materials. These materials are applied in the internal compartments of the submarine, reducing structural weight, which is crucial for enhancing submarine maneuverability and allowing for the installation of more weapons. Additionally, these materials streamline the compartments.

Yesenin emphasized that the combination of stealth, self-sustainability, and hypersonic weapons makes the "Borey" a serious threat to any enemy surface fleet.

He said: "Russia plans to replace old submarines with 30 new 'Borey' class submarines, which means that for our opponents, the calm surface of the water will turn into a severe test of their mental and professional capabilities."

Kashkarov pointed out that while the term "carrier killer" is conditional, it is not unfounded. He said: "The 'Borey' can perform combat missions in deep sea and possesses strong strike capabilities; for this reason, this type of submarine is commonly referred to as a 'carrier killer.'

Public information shows that the "Borey"-M class submarines can launch three types of cruise missiles—"Kalibr," "Onyx," and "Zircon." Among them, the "Zircon" hypersonic missile is particularly powerful: it can reach speeds of up to 9 Mach, has a range of 1000 kilometers, and can maneuver throughout its entire flight trajectory, making it nearly impossible for existing air defense systems to intercept.

One of the important differences between the "Borey"-M and the original version is the significant enhancement of its stealth performance. The stealth performance of the "Borey"-M can rival that of the most advanced Western submarines, such as the U.S. "Virginia" class nuclear submarines.

The "Borey" is a powerful attack submarine capable of carrying hypersonic weapons and operating in deep sea. However, like any equipment, it also has its limitations.

Kashkarov warned: "The accident of the 'Kursk' nuclear submarine indicates that the denser the weapon configuration, the higher the risk of damage and malfunction."

Kashkarov stated: "Any new materials, technologies, and inventions in the military-industrial field require time to be put into application, and designers of weapons and detection tools are always in a creative competition. For this reason, after the fourth-generation nuclear submarines, there will inevitably be fifth-generation nuclear submarines, which are currently in the research and development stage." (Translated by He Yingjun)