Yasen-class nuclear-powered submarine (image: Sputnik)

Moscow has inked a deal for 2 new Yasen-M multipurpose nuclear-powered, cruise missile submarine for its navy at the Army-2019 event held in the capital between June 25-30, Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said Thursday.

"Today we have signed a number of large-scale deals. One of the contracts is for two new Yasen-class submarines. These are substantial volumes and a very significant contract," TASS reported quoting the minister as saying.

The Russian navy currently operates two types of cruise missile submarines - Project 949A Antey and Project 885 Yasen (and its modernized version Project 885M Yasen-M).

The Project 885 and Project 885M submarines have been developed by the St. Petersburg-based Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau. The Project 885M Yasen-M's lead submarine, Kazan, is undergoing sea trials while five more are being built.

Based on the Akula-class and Alfa-class, it is projected to replace Russia's Soviet-era nuclear attack submarines. They are presumed to be armed with land-attack cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine missiles including the P-800 Oniks, Kalibr, etc.

Yasen-class submarines are the first Russian SSNs/SSGNs to be equipped with a fourth-generation nuclear reactor. The reactor will reportedly have a 25-30 year core life and will not have to be refuelled.