The Ministry of Defense and Zvyozdochka shipyard (Little Star) in Severodvinsk signed a contract for repair and upgrade of the nuclear submarines of the Northern Fleet "Carp" and "Kostroma" Project 945 (code "Barracuda") built in 1970s and 1980s and decommissioned long time ago. However, despite the apparent "old age" the submarines made of very expensive titanium are still superior to their foreign counterparts in terms of a number of characteristics.

According to expert shipbuilders that shared their comments with Pravda.Ru, the hulls of the titanium submarines have not deteriorated over the years. This expensive metal is very resistant to corrosion, barely rusts and does not break down over time. However, all or nearly all of the "stuffing" of the submarines will have to be replaced.

Former member of the Mobilization Department of the Navy, retired Captain of the first rank Sergey Vasyutin shared his thoughts with Pravda.Ru:

"I have no doubt that the decision of the Ministry of Defense could dumbfound even the most advanced Western intelligence. Indeed, it came quite unexpectedly even for Russian specialists. At one time, it was naval intelligence that prompted the U.S. administration which of the submarines of the Soviet Union and then Russia had to be included on the list for the disposal under the agreement on strategic arms limitation.

Continue reading at:  http://english.pravda.ru/russia/economics/18-03-2013/124089-aircraf...