MOSCOW, January 25. /TASS/. The construction of the first 5th-generation conventional submarine may start in five years, Head of Russia’s United Ship-Building Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov said on Wednesday.

"I believe in about five years," Rakhmanov said in response to the relevant question.

Chief Executive of the Rubin Central Design Bureau Igor Vilnit earlier told TASS the Project 677 Lada would lay the basis for the series of fifth-generation conventional submarines. The submarine St. Petersburg, the lead vessel of this series, is undergoing operational evaluation in Russia’s Northern Fleet while another two underwater cruisers are at the stage of construction.

Fifth-generation conventional submarines will get an air-independent propulsion unit.