[Coming Soon] Pr. 971 "Shchuka-B": Underwater Predator

Historical Note

The nuclear-powered submarines of Project 971 “Shchuka-B” formed the backbone of Russia's multi-purpose submarine fleet at the turn of the 21st century. Their development originated as an assignment for the titanium-hulled boats of Project 945 Barrakuda. However, to enable mass production at Far Eastern shipyards and reduce costs, a fundamental decision was made to replace the titanium hull with one constructed from low-magnetic steel.

Construction of the first series began in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. A total of 15 submarines were built across the basic and improved designs, with several modernized units continuing to serve in the Russian Navy to this day.

Pr. 971 (Rank VII)

Brief Overview

• Strengths: Kalibr missiles, powerful Kit torpedoes, high submerged speed, and long endurance.
• Weaknesses: Low surfaced speed and significant vulnerability when surfaced.
• Role in battle: One of the most formidable submarines in the game, combining the stealth of a nuclear-powered vessel with devastating missile armament.

In battle

Among the first Soviet/Russian Rank VII submarines to arrive in War Thunder Mobile, Project 971 is a fast and deadly boat for the most experienced and daring commanders!

The primary striking force of Pr. 971 is its Kalibr guided missile armament – a new addition to War Thunder Mobile. These missiles combine high speed with massive damage, capable of destroying any surface target, though launching requires the submarine to surface to periscope depth. Complementing them are bow torpedo tubes loaded with the large 650 mm Kit torpedoes.

Pr. 971 boasts strong endurance – superior to that of diesel submarines, though slightly behind some modern nuclear counterparts. What sets it apart from many nuclear submarines, however, is its submerged speed, which rivals the fastest surface ships at Ranks V–VI.

At periscope depth, speed decreases – but in return, the submarine gains considerable tactical freedom, from stealthy long-range strikes to daring maneuvers at the heart of battle. With its combination of powerful guided weaponry and exceptional submerged speed, Pr. 971 stands as one of the most dangerous and effective underwater predators in the game.

Future commanders of this submarine should remain mindful of its impressive size and significant vulnerability when surfaced. Read the battlefield carefully, surface at the right moment to replenish your air supply or unleash a salvo of Kalibr missiles at your targets!

Premium version of the Pr. 971 (Rank VII)

In the Ship Campaign, only one ship can be taken into battle. Because of this, the Premium version of any ship is not a separate unit, but it completely replaces the standard “gray” version. After obtaining the premium version, the blueprints for the standard version of the ship will disappear from the store and trophies, and the ship itself will become unavailable in trophies and jackpots.

Differences between the Premium and Standard versions:

• the ability to get gold after a battle, according to the daily limit;
• unique premium camouflage;
• fully unlocked upgrades in the Arsenal;
• the ship gets the maximum crew level immediately.

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The Pr. 971 (Rank VII) can be obtained in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) from Medium or Big Trophies in the Ship Campaign with the start of the new Season.