The shipyards' General Director Vladimir Alexandrov briefed Mr Putin on the production process. Mr Alexandrov described the construction process of a Project 677 submarine. "This is not the first submarine of its kind. The prototype is already out at sea," the director said.

The director explained that the latest diesel electric submarines feature good running characteristics and are very maneuverable. He added that the instruments and equipment in the "conn," command compartment were now arranged more ergonomically.

At the same time, Mr Alexandrov called attention to the need for increased financing to complete unfinished submarines. He also suggested the need to decide on the number of submarines for the Black Sea Fleet in the coming years, in view of possible difficulties in basing it in the future.