The Charlie I-class submarine (Project 670 Skat) SSGN was first launched at the Krasnoye Sormovo inland shipyard at Gorkiy in 1967 with another ten following over a period of five years.

The tubes were covered by large outer doors and the design was to incorporate the P-120 Malakhit (SS-N-9 Siren) medium-range anti-ship missile.

[citation needed] The missiles were designed for pop up surprise attacks on high value surface targets such as aircraft carriers.

The improved Charlie IIs were built at Gorkiy with an 8 m (26 ft 3 in) insert in the hull forward of the fin.

The insert incorporated electronics and launch systems for targeting and firing of the longer range P-120 Malakhit anti-ship missile.