Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the keel laying ceremony of several vessels for the Russian Navy, including the next generation Project 23900 amphibious assault ships. The ceremony took place on 20 July at Zaliv Shipyard in Kerch for the LHD (and remotely for the other vessels).

The Northern fleet of the Russian Navy is preparing to accept the Arkhangelsk (K-564), the fourth Yasen-M-class SSGN of project 885M. The commander will be appointed by the end of the year and the crew formed. The submarine is to join a division of the Northern fleet.

The Kazan Yasen-M-class SSGN of project 885M has several differences from the Severodvinsk lead submarine of project 885. It is shorter and has a sharper bow, while the number of torpedo launchers decreased.

Sources in the Defense Ministry said the final SSGN deployment plan had been approved. Five submarines will serve in Russia's Northern fleet, including the first of the Yasen-M class SSGN.

The Project 885M Yasen-M class nuclear-powered attack submarine Kazan (NATO reporting name: Severodvinsk-class) has launched torpedoes against a surface and an underwater target during its trials in the White Sea, the Defense Ministry’s press office said.