K-141 Kursk - Oscar II Class Cruise Missile Submarine and the Tragedy That Defined an Era

The K-141 Kursk was an Oscar II–class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine designed at the height of the Cold War to hunt and destroy NATO carrier battle groups. Enormous even by submarine standards, the Oscar II class carried heavy anti-ship cruise missiles mounted externally along the hull, reflecting Soviet doctrine that emphasized overwhelming firepower and survivability. Although conceived for Cold War confrontation, Kursk entered service in the post-Soviet era, operating during a time of shrinking budgets, aging infrastructure, and reduced naval readiness.

In August 2000, K-141 Kursk was lost during a naval exercise in the Barents Sea after an internal explosion, resulting in the deaths of all 118 crew members. The disaster became one of the most significant peacetime naval tragedies in modern history and exposed systemic issues within the Russian Navy, marking a somber turning point in post-Cold War naval operations.

This 1/350 scale model represents K-141 Kursk in her Cold War configuration and is finished using acrylics and oils for subtle weathering. As with all submarines in this series, the model is displayed on a standardized hand-cut hardwood base featuring the national flag, a 1/350 scale human figure for size reference, and a QR code linking to historical information about the vessel. The restrained finish reflects the massive, utilitarian nature of the Oscar II design while emphasizing the sheer scale and presence that made these submarines some of the most imposing ever built.