The Russian fleet continues to receive Project 885M Yasen-M nuclear submarine cruisers, while the promising fifth-generation submarine Laika (Project 545, previously known as Husky) has not yet begun construction. The Technosphere. Russia publication focused on the contrast between the two programs, comparing the characteristics of the serial submarine and the prospective development.
The difference is especially noticeable against the backdrop of events in 2026. In June, Sevmash laid down the ninth ship of the Yasen-M series — the nuclear submarine cruiser Murmansk, and in July, the Ulyanovsk was rolled out of the slipway, completing its hull construction phase. In October, the Novosibirsk submarine of this project launched Oniks and Kalibr missiles in the Pacific Ocean. The 885M program has both ships under construction and operational missile carriers, while Project 545 remains in a state of uncertainty.
The history of Laika began with the Husky research work, whose appearance was defined in the late 2010s. In 2019, the prospective nuclear submarine was presented as a model at an exhibition at the National Defense Management Center of Russia. Open publications indicated a submerged displacement of about 11,340 tons, a speed of up to 35 knots (approximately 65 km/h), a diving depth of up to 600 meters, and an autonomy of up to 90 days. It was assumed that the submarine would be able to use Kalibr, Oniks, and hypersonic Tsirkon cruise missiles. However, these values refer to design estimates, not to the results of tests of a finished ship.
For comparison, the submerged displacement of the Yasen-M is estimated at approximately 13,800 tons, its length is about 139 meters, its underwater speed reaches 31 knots, and its autonomy is up to 100 days. According to published data, the submarine is designed to dive to a depth of up to 600 meters. Its missile armament is housed in eight universal vertical launch systems. Depending on the combination of ammunition, the ship can use Kalibr, Oniks, and Tsirkon missiles. The series is already joining the Navy, so its capabilities are confirmed by operation and practical launches.
At the same time, Laika was initially considered not as a direct replacement for Yasen-M, but as a promising multi-purpose submarine to update the fleet of nuclear submarines, including replacing older Project 971 Shchuka-B and Project 945/945A Barracuda and Kondor. The supposed smaller size and modular architecture could give designers more flexibility in choosing weapons. But the declared versatility required complex technical solutions, and the initial appearance of the submarine, judging by publications from previous years, changed.
According to Technosphere. Russia's assessment, as of October 2026, Project 545 does not have a result comparable to Yasen-M in the form of a laid hull. There is insufficient public data to confidently name the start date of construction and the final characteristics of Laika. Therefore, it is not about replacing a serial submarine cruiser with a ready fifth-generation submarine, but about the difference between an active shipbuilding program and a prospective development whose further fate remains unclear.