During the recent Fleet 2026 maritime exhibition, Russia presented a conceptual model of its Amur-1650 diesel-electric attack submarine, specifically designed to fire BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from underwater.
This presentation highlights Moscow's ongoing strategy to promote the Amur-1650 to international buyers who are looking for stealthy vessels equipped with deep-strike firepower.
Developed by the Rubin Design Bureau, the Amur-1650 serves as the international version of the Russian Navy's Project 677 Lada-class. It is marketed as a modern, non-nuclear submarine distinguished by a single-hull design that significantly lowers its noise profile.
The vessel also features advanced sonar systems and offers an optional Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) module, which can reportedly keep the submarine submerged for up to 45 days.
A major highlight of the newly displayed configuration is the integration of a Vertical Launch System (VLS) tailored for BrahMos missiles.
This setup permits the submarine to unleash a barrage of missiles against ships and coastal facilities while remaining completely submerged.
By not having to surface to fire its weapons, the submarine maintains its stealth, making it highly survivable and versatile in combat scenarios.
Open-source reports indicate the vessel can carry a formidable payload of up to 28 weapons in total.
The BrahMos weapon system is a collaborative creation between India and Russia, heavily modifying the Russian P-800 Oniks framework into a versatile supersonic cruise missile.
Produced by BrahMos Aerospace, this highly successful weapon is already operational across various platforms, including ground batteries, naval warships, fighter jets, and submarines.
Technical details released by Russian shipbuilders confirm that specific variants within the Amur family are engineered with VLS cells specifically for the BrahMos.
This automated firing system gives the crew the ability to execute rapid, multi-missile salvos against multiple threats simultaneously, all while staying hidden beneath the waves.
The ability to launch cruise missiles from the ocean depths acts as a powerful strategic deterrent.
Because submarines are notoriously challenging for enemy forces to locate, they can silently navigate into contested zones.
Once in position, they can launch supersonic strikes that compress reaction times for enemy air defence networks.
In the past, Moscow proposed the Amur-1650 to fulfill India's naval needs, but New Delhi chose the French Scorpène-class (Project 75) instead.
However, Russia continues to offer the submarine, notably proposing it for India's upcoming Project 75I with promises of extensive technology transfers.
The platform is continuously pitched to various global navies as a cost-effective alternative boasting modern stealth and heavy armament.
From India's perspective, the concept of a BrahMos-armed submarine is already a proven reality.
The nation successfully test-fired the supersonic missile from an underwater pontoon back in 2013, validating the complex mechanics required for submerged vertical launches.
