As geopolitical tensions between Moscow and Washington continue to rise, Russian submarine experts have recently claimed that their new-generation sonar technology, installed in Borei-class nuclear-powered submarines, significantly outperforms the sonar systems used by the United States’ nuclear submarines. According to these experts, the sonar system on Borei-class submarines is nearly “twice as effective” as any system currently deployed by the U.S. or other Western countries, giving Russia a critical edge in underwater detection and warfare capabilities.
This assertion, widely reported by Russian state news agency RIA-Novosti, highlights the increasing technological competition between the world’s two major nuclear powers, particularly in the strategic domain of submarine warfare. The implications of this claim are profound, as superior submarine sonar systems can provide a decisive advantage in the detection, tracking, and engagement of enemy submarines — potentially shifting the balance of naval power in favor of Russia.
At the heart of the Russian Navy’s claims is the advanced sonar system named “Irtysh-Amphora-B-055,” which is said to have a detection range that exceeds those of the United States’ most advanced submarines, including the Ohio and Virginia classes. The Borei-class submarines, a new generation of Russian nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, are designed with stealth and long-range missile capabilities, and this cutting-edge sonar system is now being touted as one of their key advantages.
“Strategic nuclear submarines of the Borei class have a sonar system capable of detecting underwater threats more than 1.5 times farther than what is possessed by nuclear-powered submarines of the United States,” Russian submarine experts were quoted as saying in recent statements. They argue that this capability provides the Borei-class submarines with superior situational awareness, particularly in the vast and treacherous underwater expanses of the Arctic.
The sonar system “Irtysh-Amphora-B-055” reportedly offers a detection range that is approximately 100 kilometers farther than the sonar systems employed by U.S. nuclear submarines. This enhanced detection range could prove critical in any future naval conflicts, allowing Russian submarines to identify and track enemy vessels at a significantly greater distance.
The “Irtysh-Amphora-B-055” is more than just an advanced detection tool. According to Russian sources, the system offers a wide array of multifunctional capabilities that set it apart from Western sonar systems. Equipped with a combination of a main hydroacoustic antenna, side antennas, and towed antennas, the system utilizes digital signal processing to identify sound direction, detect echo, and classify underwater targets.
This sonar system can reportedly track up to 30 targets simultaneously, including enemy submarines, torpedoes, and missile launchers. This is a significant enhancement, as tracking multiple targets in the cluttered underwater environment is a challenging task, often limited by the complexity of sonar systems. The “Irtysh-Amphora-B-055” overcomes these challenges through advanced digital technology, improving response times and decision-making in combat scenarios.
In addition to its military applications, the sonar system also provides environmental and operational data. It can measure ice thickness and identify polynyas (areas of open water surrounded by ice), which are critical for Arctic operations. These features enhance the operational flexibility of Borei-class submarines, especially as Russia increasingly turns its attention to the Arctic for both military and economic reasons.
The ability to navigate and operate in ice-covered waters is crucial for launching guided missiles or allowing submarines to surface in otherwise inaccessible areas. This extends Russia’s operational reach in one of the world’s most strategically contested regions, further elevating the significance of the Borei-class submarines and their sonar technology.
Russia’s Borei-class submarines are central to the country’s naval deterrent strategy. Currently, the Russian Navy operates six submarines from the Borei project, including three from the original Project 955 and three upgraded vessels under Project 955A.
Project 955: The lead vessels of this project include Yuriy Dolgorukiy, Alexander Nevsky, and Vladimir Monomakh. These submarines are considered the backbone of Russia’s sea-based nuclear deterrent force.
Project 955A: This upgraded version includes submarines such as Knyaz Vladimir, Knyaz Oleg, and Generalissimus Suvorov. These vessels feature enhancements in stealth, survivability, and combat capabilities compared to their predecessors, making them formidable platforms in modern naval warfare.
Each Borei-class submarine has the capacity to carry up to 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). These missiles are central to Russia’s nuclear triad, with a reported maximum range of 8,000 to 8,800 kilometers, depending on the payload. Each missile is capable of carrying six to ten nuclear warheads, which can independently target different objectives, thus enabling the submarine to deliver a devastating strike from virtually any location in the world’s oceans.
With a length of 170 meters and a displacement of 24,000 tons when submerged, Borei-class submarines are among the largest and most capable submarines in the world. They are designed to remain submerged for extended periods, carrying a crew of 107 personnel who operate the vessel’s advanced systems.
The Russian claims about the superior sonar capabilities of their Borei-class submarines could have far-reaching implications for the balance of naval power, particularly between Russia and the United States. Submarine warfare has always been a shadowy and high-stakes arena, with nations constantly developing new technologies to detect and evade detection beneath the waves.
If the claims about the “Irtysh-Amphora-B-055” system are accurate, Russia could potentially have a significant advantage in detecting and tracking enemy submarines before they can detect Russian vessels. This would provide Russia with the ability to maintain a greater degree of stealth while simultaneously identifying threats at a greater distance, thus enhancing the survivability of its strategic deterrent.
In response, the United States may need to accelerate its efforts to develop more advanced sonar systems or adopt alternative technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or advanced materials to close the gap. The U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class submarines are known for their stealth and technological sophistication, but advancements in detection technology could diminish this edge.
However, it is worth noting that the United States possesses its own advantages, particularly in the realm of undersea warfare. The U.S. Navy operates the world’s largest and most technologically advanced submarine fleet, with extensive experience in anti-submarine warfare. The Ohio-class submarines, which serve as the backbone of America’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, are soon to be replaced by the Columbia-class submarines, which promise enhanced stealth and survivability features. Furthermore, the U.S. Navy has invested heavily in acoustic quieting technologies, which help reduce the detectability of its submarines.
The Arctic is increasingly becoming a focal point in the rivalry between the United States and Russia. As global warming makes the region more accessible, both nations are vying for control over its strategic resources and shipping routes. The Borei-class submarines’ capabilities in Arctic waters are a significant asset for Russia, which has invested heavily in military infrastructure in the region.
The ability to navigate through ice-covered waters and launch missiles from beneath the ice gives Russia an advantage in maintaining a strategic presence in the Arctic. The U.S. Navy, by contrast, has fewer platforms specifically designed for Arctic operations, though it has recently increased its focus on the region as part of broader efforts to counter Russia and China’s influence there.
The claims made by Russian submarine experts regarding the sonar capabilities of the Borei-class submarines underscore the growing technological competition between Moscow and Washington in the realm of submarine warfare. As tensions between the two nations escalate, so too does the importance of maintaining a technological edge in underwater detection and stealth technologies.
Whether the Russian claims of superiority are accurate or part of a broader information campaign remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that both nations are engaged in a new phase of naval competition, with undersea warfare playing a critical role in their strategies. As the United States develops its next-generation Columbia-class submarines and potentially new sonar technologies, the gap between the two powers may shift once again, leading to further advancements in this ongoing submarine arms race.
