The return to service of the nuclear submarine Irkutsk has been postponed until the end of 2025. This update comes from a report by a major Russian news agency citing a source close to the military-industrial complex, who indicated ongoing refurbishment work at the vessel’s yard. The information points to a significant step up in the submarine’s combat readiness once modernization is completed, with a notable boost to its overall effectiveness and tasking capability once back in duty.
The agency’s description suggests that the Irkutsk is currently undergoing a comprehensive set of upgrades. The insider described the project as aiming to substantially increase the submarine’s combat power after modernization, underscoring how the refit will expand its operational reach and reliability in Pacific Fleet duties. The precise timing given by the source places the vessel back into service around late 2025, though no official confirmation has been issued by the navy or the shipyard involved in the work.
Earlier reporting from the same information stream indicated that initial expectations had the submarine returning to sea by the end of 2023, following a series of modernization steps. Those early projections highlighted the addition of new cruise missile capability designed to extend coastal strike flexibility. The plan was described as enabling the Irkutsk to deploy a substantial number of missiles with refined targeting capabilities.
During the modernization, discussions centered on equipping the submarine with a range of weapons that would enhance its tactical flexibility. The projected loadout reportedly included modern precision strike systems suitable for coastal and littoral targets, reflecting a broader trend in strategic submarine modernization programs aimed at maintaining deterrence and rapid response options in the region. The scope of the retrofit was described as broad enough to influence the ship’s mission profiles and survivability in contested environments.
There has also been mention of the shipyard’s stated timelines for similar projects within the Lada-class program. While specifics about the Irkutsk’s sister vessels are not always confirmed publicly, the ongoing work underscores the commitment to upgrading older ballistic and cruise missile platforms with contemporary propulsion, sensing, and weapon systems to keep them relevant in a modern naval landscape.