English: Pictured is a Kilo-Class Russian Submarine in the English Channel.

The image was taken from Royal Navy Wildcat HMA2 Helicopter of 815 Naval Air Squadron.

Kilo class is the NATO reporting name for the diesel-electric attack submarine.

The original vessels were designated Project 877 EKM Paltus (Halibut) in the Soviet Union and entered service in 1980’s.

There is also a more advanced version, designated as Improved Kilo-class submarine in the West, and Project 636 Varshavyanka in Russia.

These attack submarines are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in relatively shallow waters.

The subs are armed with 18 heavyweight torpedoes and 8 surface to air missiles (NATO name Gremlin & Gimlet)

Newer boats are equipped with improved sonar and mine detection. The improved sonar systems have reduced the number of operators needed because of increased automation.

Anechoic (free from echo) tiles are fitted to absorb the sound waves of active sonar, which results in a reduction and distortion of the return signal.

These tiles also help reduce sounds emitted from the submarine, reducing the range at which the sub may be detected.

There are around 24 Kilo Class Submarines currently in service with the Russian Navy (mostly the 877 boats).

• Organization: Royal Navy
• Object Name: MJ180014002
• Category: MOD
• Supplemental Categories: Submarines, Foreign Ships, Ships, Equipment, Royal Navy, People
• Keywords: Ocean, Water, Scenery, Landscape, Environment, Terrain, Wake, SSK, Paltus, SSN, Attack, Russian Navy, UK, Royal Naval Air Station, Fleet Air Arm, Aerial, Wildcat, 815 NAS, Kilo Class, Submarine, Royal Navy, Naval Air Squadron, 815 Squadron, Open Water
• Country: At Sea