Submarines Article Index : Current 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
 Latest
 News
 
 Most
 Read
 
 Most
 Commented
 Hot
 Topics

Algeria Gets A Pair

November 13, 2010: Algeria has recently received the two Russian Kilo class diesel-electric submarines they ordered four years ago. The Kilos weigh 2,300 tons (surface displacement), have six torpedo tubes and a crew of 57. They are quiet, and can travel about 700 kilometers under water at a slow and nearly-silent speed of about five kilometers an hour. Kilos carry 18 torpedoes or SS-N-27 anti-ship missiles (with a range of 300 kilometers and launched underwater from the torpedo tubes.) The combination of quietness and cruise missiles makes Kilo very dangerous to American carriers. China, North Korea and Iran have also bought Kilos. Russia is working on a new design (the Lada), but many export customers find the 1980s era Kilo adequate (and cheap, about half what a similar Western boat would cost). Over 55 Kilos have been built or are under construction. Next Article → THAILAND: Never Surrender