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Ukraine Gains Secrets of Russia’s Newest Nuclear Sub “Knyaz Pozharsky"—Crew, Schematics, Combat Orders Leaked

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Ivan Khomenko
News Writer
Ukraine Gains Secrets of Russia’s Newest Nuclear Sub “Knyaz Pozharsky"—Crew, Schematics, Combat Orders Leaked
Flag-raising ceremony aboard Russia’s newest nuclear submarine Knyaz Pozharsky in Severodvinsk, July 24, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has acquired a full set of classified internal documentation concerning the Russian Navy’s newest nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, “Knyaz Pozharsky”, part of the Borei-A (Project 955A) class.

According to an official HUR statement published on August 3, the obtained materials include comprehensive technical, operational, and personnel-related information. The documents reportedly detail:

  • Full name-by-name crew lists, including positions, qualifications, and physical fitness levels;

  • Combat manuals and daily operational schedules;

  • Schematics of the vessel’s combat systems, survivability infrastructure, and internal crew hierarchy;

  • Onboard protocols for casualty evacuation, cargo transfers, and towing procedures;

  • Engineering documentation, including an official report on a deformed communications buoy, listing involved organizations and commission members.

Additionally, HUR gained access to excerpts from the submarine’s internal schedule book, governing the daily combat and routine activities aboard the vessel.

Extract from the internal schedule book of Russia’s nuclear submarine Knyaz Pozharsky, detailing combat routines and emergency procedures. (Source: HUR)
Extract from the internal schedule book of Russia’s nuclear submarine Knyaz Pozharsky, detailing combat routines and emergency procedures. (Source: HUR)
Combat layout of the Knyaz Pozharsky submarine, indicating critical onboard systems and damage control equipment. (Source: HUR)
Combat layout of the Knyaz Pozharsky submarine, indicating critical onboard systems and damage control equipment. (Source: HUR)

The Knyaz Pozharsky was officially commissioned into service on July 24, 2025, joining the 31st Submarine Division of Russia’s Northern Fleet.

The vessel is based in Gadzhiyevo, Murmansk region—home to several other strategic submarines. The submarine’s entry into active duty was overseen by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Crew roster with detailed physical fitness evaluations for Knyaz Pozharsky personnel, dated November 2024. (Source: HUR)
Crew roster with detailed physical fitness evaluations for Knyaz Pozharsky personnel, dated November 2024. (Source: HUR)
Internal inspection photos of a damaged buoy on board the Knyaz Pozharsky, referenced in engineering documentation. (Source: HUR)
Internal inspection photos of a damaged buoy on board the Knyaz Pozharsky, referenced in engineering documentation. (Source: HUR)
Organizational structure of the Knyaz Pozharsky submarine, including combat and daily operational command chains. (Source: HUR)
Organizational structure of the Knyaz Pozharsky submarine, including combat and daily operational command chains. (Source: HUR)
Official inspection act signed by multiple defense contractors and naval officers following technical analysis of submarine components. (Source: HUR)
Official inspection act signed by multiple defense contractors and naval officers following technical analysis of submarine components. (Source: HUR)

The submarine represents the latest unit of the modernized Project 955A Borei-A series. Construction began in December 2016, followed by sea trials starting in 2024. The Knyaz Pozharsky is the fourth serial and fifth overall submarine built under the Borei-A program.

The Borei-A class is a critical component of Russia’s strategic nuclear triad. Each submarine is equipped with 16 R-30 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile launch tubes. Each missile can carry up to 10 independently targetable warheads. The submarine is also armed with 533mm torpedo tubes.

Signatures of the commission that evaluated a deformed communication buoy used on Knyaz Pozharsky. (Source: HUR)
Signatures of the commission that evaluated a deformed communication buoy used on Knyaz Pozharsky. (Source: HUR)
Inventory of watertight hatches and sealed compartments aboard the Knyaz Pozharsky, sorted by section. (Source: HUR)
Inventory of watertight hatches and sealed compartments aboard the Knyaz Pozharsky, sorted by section. (Source: HUR)
List of certified specialists assigned to the Knyaz Pozharsky, including ranks, qualifications, and promotion timelines. (Source: HUR)
List of certified specialists assigned to the Knyaz Pozharsky, including ranks, qualifications, and promotion timelines. (Source: HUR)
Combat manual outlining the duties of the lead helmsman during battle alert on Knyaz Pozharsky. (Source: HUR)
Combat manual outlining the duties of the lead helmsman during battle alert on Knyaz Pozharsky. (Source: HUR)

Design modifications compared to earlier Borei-class submarines include changes to the hull shape, bow structure, and conning tower. These adjustments reduce acoustic signature and increase stealth capabilities. Improvements have also been made to the ballistic missile launch systems.

Ukrainian intelligence officials emphasize that the obtained documentation provides insight not only into the Knyaz Pozharsky but also reveals broader technical characteristics and limitations across the entire Borei-A class. These submarines play a central role in Russia’s naval nuclear deterrent posture.

Earlier, Russia commissioned the Yakutsk, the final Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarine for its Pacific Fleet, completing the six-submarine Improved Kilo-class program. Designed for stealth and armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, these subs enhance Russia’s undersea capabilities in the Pacific amid rising regional tensions.

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