The headquarters for the Submarine Forces of the Northern Fleet is situated in Gadzhiyevo, Murmansk Oblast, Russia. This location is strategically positioned on the Kola Peninsula, providing direct access to the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean. The region is characterized by its remote, heavily fortified environment, which offers natural protection and concealment for submarine operations. The proximity to deep-water routes facilitates rapid deployment of strategic assets and supports sustained operations in the North Atlantic and Arctic theaters.
The Submarine Forces of the Northern Fleet are organized into several specialized divisions, each responsible for distinct classes of submarines and operational roles. The 7th, 11th, 24th, and 31st Submarine Divisions manage nuclear-powered attack and ballistic missile submarines, while the 29th Deep-Sea Submarine Division and the 339th Separate Construction and Repair Submarine Brigade oversee special purpose and test submarines. This structure enables operational flexibility, rapid response capabilities, and the integration of advanced technologies across the fleet.
Gadzhiyevo and associated bases possess extensive infrastructure to support submarine operations, including secure piers, dry docks, maintenance facilities, and storage for nuclear munitions. The bases are equipped with advanced command and control centers, robust security measures, and specialized support for nuclear-powered vessels. The presence of dedicated repair brigades and test facilities, such as those operated by the 339th Separate Construction and Repair Submarine Brigade, ensures high readiness and the ability to conduct complex overhauls and modernization programs.
The 7th Submarine Division operates a mix of Project 945 Barrakuda and 945A Kondor nuclear-powered attack submarines (B-276 Kostroma, B-336 Pskov, B-534 Nizhny Novgorod) and a Project 671RTMK nuclear-powered attack submarine (B-448 Tambov). These vessels are designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, featuring titanium hulls for enhanced stealth and survivability. The division's assets are capable of deep-water operations and are equipped with advanced sonar and torpedo systems.
The 11th Submarine Division comprises Project 949A Antey nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines (K-119 Voronezh, K-266 Orel, K-410 Smolensk) and a Project 677RTMK nuclear-powered attack submarine (K-560 Severodvinsk). The Antey-class submarines are equipped with P-700 Granit or P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles, providing significant strike capability against surface targets. The Severodvinsk represents the Yasen-class, featuring advanced stealth, multi-mission capabilities, and the ability to launch Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles.
The 24th Submarine Division operates Project 971 Shchuka-B (Akula-class) nuclear-powered attack submarines, including K-154 Tigr, K-157 Vepr, K-317 Pantera, K-328 Leopard, K-335 Gepard, and K-461 Volk. These submarines are optimized for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, with advanced quieting technologies and a diverse array of torpedoes and missiles. The division provides the Northern Fleet with a versatile and survivable undersea warfare capability.
The 31st Submarine Division commands the Northern Fleet's strategic nuclear deterrent, operating Project 667BDRM Delfin (Delta IV-class) ballistic missile submarines (K-18 Karelia, K-51 Verkhoturye, K-84 Ekaterinburg, K-114 Tula, K-407 Novomoskovsk) and the Project 955 Borei-class ballistic missile submarine (K-535 Yuriy Dolgorukiy). These vessels are armed with R-29RMU Sineva and RSM-56 Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missiles, ensuring a credible second-strike capability.
The 29th Deep-Sea Submarine Division (military unit 13090) operates a range of special purpose submarines, including Project 1851/1851.1 deep-diving vessels (AS-21, AS-23, AS-35), Project 10831 AS-31 Losharik, Project 09786 BS-136 Orenburg, Project 667BDRM BS-64 Podmoskovye, and Project 1910 deep-water stations (AS-13, AS-15, AS-33). These platforms are designed for covert operations, seabed warfare, intelligence collection, and support of undersea infrastructure missions. The division's assets are believed to be capable of operating at extreme depths and are associated with the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI).
The 339th Separate Construction and Repair Submarine Brigade (military unit 95420) is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and testing of submarines, including the Project 20120 Sargan special purpose diesel-electric submarine B-90 Sarov. The brigade's capabilities enable the Northern Fleet to sustain high operational availability and to conduct trials of new technologies and experimental platforms. The B-90 Sarov is notable for its role in testing advanced propulsion and weapon systems, including unmanned underwater vehicles.
The Submarine Forces of the Northern Fleet constitute a core component of Russia's maritime nuclear deterrent and undersea warfare capabilities. The diverse array of attack, ballistic missile, and special purpose submarines enables the fleet to project power, conduct strategic reconnaissance, and ensure survivability of second-strike assets. The concentration of advanced submarine platforms in the Northern Fleet underscores Russia's commitment to maintaining credible deterrence and operational superiority in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.