Russia Launches Nuclear Submarine 17 Years In Making

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev delivers a speech during a ceremony launching the "Severodvinsk," a multipurpose nuclear submarine of the fourth generation, at Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk on June 15.

Russia has launched a nuclear-powered attack submarine that took 17 years to build because of funding shortages.

President Dmitry Medvedev said the "Severodvinsk" should increase Russia's military might and naval potential, and "strengthen Russia's position in the world's oceans."

State-run RIA Novosti said the 119-meter "Severodvinsk" is designed to carry long-range nuclear-capable cruise missiles and other armaments.

ITAR TASS news agency reported that the "Severodvinsk" is expected to enter service by 2011. Russia plans to build at least six of them.

compiled from agency reports