While Russia is midway into its nuclear submarine modernisation program with the new 4th generation ballistic missile carriers of the Borei-class, priority is also given to keep afloat the Soviet-era Delta-IV class vessels deployed with the Northern Fleet.
Vladimir Putin seems to prepare for an option to put more nuclear weapons at sea as the New START Treaty expires in February 2026. With both introducing new modern submarines and simultaneously keep the older fleet sailing, the maximum possible numbers of Russian deployed intercontinental-range nuclear weapons at sea will far exceed the bilateral limits Moscow has agreed with the United States.
The Bryansk (K-117) alone can carry 16 Sineva missiles which each are armed with four independently targetable reentry nuclear warheads. It is believed that the submarine after the current comprehensive modernisation, including change of nuclear fuel elements for the two onboard reactors, can sail for another 8 to 10 years. Läs artikel