BS-64 is a Project 667BDRM Delfin-class ballistic missile submarine (NATO reporting name Delta IV) of the Russian Navy. She was originally designated K-64.
K-64 was removed from active service in 1999 and was ordered to be refitted. It was planned for her to be reactivated in 2002 to replace the Yankee 'Stretch'-class KS-411. KS-411 had been the mothership for the mini submarines, which are believed to be used for a combination of oceanographic research, search and rescue, and underwater intelligence-gathering.[1] Due to lack of funds this plan was postponed. K-64 was renamed BS-64 in 2002, and her central section containing 16 silos for ballistic missiles was removed to create space for the installation of scientific-experimental equipment, cabins for scientists and a rest room for the regular crew. There were unofficial reports that in 2008 the ship had been named Vladimir, before the official name Podmoskovye was announced later that year.[2]
After her conversion was completed at Zvezdochka shipyard the submarine was relaunched on 11 August 2015.[3] Following the completion of repairs it is believed that the submarine was converted to serve as carrier of mini submarine(s), such as the deep-diving nuclear powered mini-submarine Losharik.[4] [5] [6] Sea trials started in the White Sea in October 2016 and the submarine was handed over to the Russian Navy in December the same year as a Pr. 09787 carrier of mini-submarines and possibly as a nuclear deep-water station.[7] [8]