Six Typhoons originally were introduced, but four were withdrawn from service because of the expense of maintaining the boats. Most of the SSBNs are in the Northern Fleet, Russia's main naval operating area. The fact that training standards have fallen means low morale has hit even the elite branch, which is generally better motivated than other naval personnel. This stems from a fleet-wide lack of dockyard support that affects submarines and surface ships alike. Refits and basic engineering work has fallen far behind schedule as the navy strives to pay dockyard staff.
New construction is minimal.
The first Borey-class SSBN is under construction, but it is unlikely to enter service until 2008 because of slow progress. Like the SSBNs, most of the SSNs are in the Northern Fleet. Operational patrols are generally conducted near the Russian mainland, although SSNs and SSGNs in recent years have conducted longer-range excursions, taking up station on the east and west coasts of the USA near US SSBN bases. The SSNs and SSGNs have attempted to trail US submarines and aircraft carriers. The first boat is expected to enter service in 2005.