Mainly developed in the Pacific region, the nuclear powered Kashalot Class submarines stand for the power and supremacy. The name Kashalot, meaning Shark in Russian, also complements this Soviet ballistic missile submarine very well.

Built by the Amur Shipbuilding Plant Joint Stock Company, these submarines were initially commissioned between 1986 abd 1992 with enhancements over the years. The first, Viper, was commissioned in 1995, the second, Nerpa, in December 2000 and the third, Gepard, in August 2001.

Having served the Russian Navy for over 25 years, the Akula Submarines continue to make their presence felt in the international political-military arena.