Russia will receive and commission at least eight Graney class nuclear-powered attack submarines by 2020, Russian Navy chief Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky has said.

The nuclear submarines are capable of engaging submarines, surface warships and land-based targets, and are designed to launch a range of long-range cruise missiles with conventional or nuclear warheads.

The submarine weaponry includes 24 cruise missiles and eight torpedo launchers, as well as mines and anti-ship missiles, according to RIA Novosti.

The first Graney submarine, the Severodvinsk, will begin sea trials in the White Sea this month, and is expected to enter service by the end of 2011.

The second vessel, the Kazan, is being built at the Sevmash shipyard in the northern Russian city of Severodvinsk, while the construction of the third Graney class submarine will begin in 2011.