Smirnov was born in a peasant family and graduated from an agricultural institute.

In June 1944 he was transferred to the Black Sea Fleet where he commanded a submarine.

After the war Smirnov continued in the Black Sea Fleet serving as a staff officer and commander of a submarine squadron in 1956–57.

From 1964 to 1969 he was head of the Operational Directorate and Deputy Chief of the Main Navy Staff.

Smirnov was part of the Inspectorate general of the Armed forces from March 1988.