Myanmar Targets More Submarine with Project 636 Improved Kilo for Its Navy
Detail explanation with Project 636 Improved Kilo submarine (photo : MWD)
Myanmar is targeting to build a strong submarine fleet before 2030 in accordance with its ambitious plan. However, not many options to choose for Myanmar submarine fleet due to a strict arms embargo imposed by the west.
Starting from last years, Commander-in-Chief constantly showed interest on Kilo submarines for Myanmar's first-ever submarine fleet and current his visits to Russia to observe their facilities and construction has proved that. And again, we also acknowledged that he also received the detailed explanation about Project 636 (not older Project 877) during his visit to JSC Admiralty Shipyard where Kilo class submarines are born. It is believed that the negotiation has been started during his visit. The deal is expected to finalize in coming years and the first delivery time shall be after 2024 to meet its plan.
First submarine UMS Minye Theinkhathu (photo : Myanmar Navy)
Project 636 Improved Kilo class submarine is designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface-ship warfare (ASuW) and also for general reconnaissance and patrol missions. It is considered to be one of the quietest diesel submarines in the world. Its main-selling point is that it can also be capable of firing Club-S-636 guided-missile system, which enables, along with the Lama-EKM action information system, to fire the 3M-54E anti-ship cruise missiles against surface ships and the 3M-14E cruise missiles against land-based targets in the remotest part of an enemy territory.
The anti-ship missile capability of engaging surface targets at the range of 220 km makes the submarine inaccessible for defensive enemy’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon. The range of fire against shore-based installations, which is 275 km, enables to deliver missile fire while being beyond the ASW coastal zone and excludes a necessity to cross mine-treat areas.
Here are some Facts of Project 636 submarine.
-Normal displacement ~ 2350 tons
-Torpedo tubes, ~ 6 pcs
-Ammunition load (missiles/torpedoes) ~ 4/18
-length ~ 73,8m
-beam ~ 9,9m
-Range in submerged position at economical speed ~ 400nm
-Diving depth ~ 300 m
-Endurance ~ 45 days
Myanmar y AMU
