The termination of combat service of the heavy nuclear submarine missile cruiser (TARK) "Dmitry Donskoy" is explained by the development of the active zone of its nuclear reactor. This is with reference to a source close to the Russian Navy, TASS reports.

“Dmitry Donskoy could no longer carry out military service in connection with the development of the active zone of its nuclear reactor,” the source said. The source clarified that in recent years, the nuclear submarine was used in the course of testing submarines of the Borey, Borey-M, Yasen and Yasen-M projects.

“Now these functions will be performed by Project 671RTM nuclear submarines,” the source added.

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In February, the head of the Fleet Support Movement, Vladimir Maltsev, announced that the Dmitry Donskoy of Project 941 (code "Shark") was withdrawn from the combat strength of the Russian Navy.

The nuclear submarine "Dmitry Donskoy" was launched in 1980. In 1981, the submarine entered service. After modernization under project 941UM, Bulava ballistic missiles were tested on the submarine.