The state-run RIA-Novosti news agency cited an unnamed official at the Amur Shipbuilding Factory as saying the sub was built there and is called the Nerpa. Testing on the submarine began last month and it submerged for the first time last week, according to the agency.
 |
|
|
 |
| A Soviet-built Akula class nuclear submarine is moored at a harbor on the Pacific peninsula of Kamchatka (AP photo) |
|
|
|
|
 BREAKING NEWS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Construction of the Nerpa, an Akula II class attack submarine, started in 1991 but was suspended for years because of a shortage of funding, RIA-Novosti reported.
Despite a major boost in military spending during Vladimir Putin's eight years as president, Russia's military is still hampered by decrepit infrastructure, aging weapons ad problems with corruption and incompetence.
First Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Kolmakov and navy chief Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky were heading for the Pacific Coast in the wake of the accident, Dygalo said.
The Kremlin said President Dmitry Medvedev had been informed about the accident immediately by his defense minister and was receiving frequent updates, Russian news agencies reported. Medvedev ordered a thorough investigation.
Putin, now prime minister, was criticized for his slow response to the Kursk disaster, which marred the first of his eight years as president.
Become a member of Pravda.ru online community
Tu-204 Passenger Jet Lands in Forest: One Wing Lost, Fuselage Cracked
Forum
Source: 
