Algeria Commissions Two Kilo-class Submarines

Algeria commissioned two kilo-class Russian submarines- Ouarsenis and Hoggar, at the Mers El Kébir naval base in Oran, on Wednesday.

The submarines are part of a 2013-2014 order for two new Project 636 Varshavyanka (Kilo class) vessels . The project 636 Kilo class vessels are a more advanced version of the naval diesel-electric attack submarine 877 Paltus, defenceWeb reported Thursday.

The tear-drop hulled submarine is 72.6m long, 9.9m wide and can dive to 300 meters. Underwater, it reportedly has a speed of up to 25 knots. The submarine has an endurance of 45 days.

The attack submarines are intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in shallow waters. The Project 636 boats have improved sonar systems, 533 mm torpedo tubes. They carry up to 18 homing or wire-guided torpedoes, or 24 AM-1 mines. They are can also be fitted with four Kalibr cruise missiles.

Algeria has apparently also ordered two additional Kilo 877EKM vessels, for delivery in 2020-2022, the report added.