Russia launched a new nuclear submarine in the port city of Severodvinsk, the country's military reported.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov attended the launching ceremony on Saturday and said the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Khabarovsk, “will enable us to successfully secure Russia's maritime borders and protect its national interests in various parts of the world's oceans.”

The submarine still has to complete a series of sea trials, he added.

Belousov also visited a ship repair center and inspected the new icebreaking patrol ship Ivan Papanin.

The patrol ship has already entered service with the Russian Navy, having passed all sea trials, the ministry said in a statement.