From Julietts to Yasens, Europe@War No 22, Helion

FROM JULIETTS TO YASENS - Development and Operational History of Soviet Nuclear-Powered Cruise-Missile Submarines 1958-2022

In the aftermath of the Second World War, the Soviet Union embarked upon the rebuilding of its naval forces for a new era of naval warfare; one dominated by Western nuclear-armed aircraft carriers that posed an existential threat to the USSR.  

One solution to the problems facing the Soviet Navy was to develop submarines armed with  large, heavy, long-range stand-off anti-ship cruise missiles. These unique combinations of  platforms and weapons systems would come to pose a threat that forced the US Navy to adapt  its own naval strategy and equipment to counter them. 

While never used in anger in their intended role, life aboard these submarines could be extremely hazardous for their crews, with a number of accidents – including the total loss of boats such as the Kursk – claiming many lives.  

From Julietts to Yasens is a comprehensive history of the design of the SSG and SSGN submarines,  their weapons systems, and service history from the 1950s through to the present day, and  includes details of the numerous accidents and incidents. 

This volume is illustrated with many black and white and colour photographs, and specially commission artworks of the submarines, the missiles they carried, and the men who crewed them. 

"I think the Soviet submarines were one of the bogeymen of the Cold War era and for those of us who have an interest in them, this new book makes for some very interesting reading. I enjoyed it."

(Robin Buckland, Military Model Scene)

"An interesting booklet on the history of Soviet cruise missile-equipped submarines, which is both very readable and very informative in terms of historical and technical background, as well as containing information, photos and drawings useful for modelers...Highly Recommended"

(ModelMarine.de)

Tags: SUBMARINES