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Admiral Golovko frigate to be first armed ship of Tsirkon

Naval News July 2021 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry
POSTED ON MONDAY, 12 JULY 2021 17:02
 
   
According to information published by Tass on July 12, 2021, Admiral Golovko, the Russian Navy’s third Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate (Project 22350), will become the first carrier of Tsirkon hypersonic missiles, a defense industry source told.



The Tsirkonor Zircon is a Russian-made hypersonic missile designed to be launched by a ship and able to travel at speeds of between Mach 6 and Mach 8. The missile is reportedly capable of striking both ground and naval targets. According to Russian military sources, it has a range of between approximately 250 (400 km) and 600 miles (965 km) and can be fired from the vertical launch systems mounted on cruisers Admiral Nakhimov and Pyotr Veliky, Project 20380 corvettes, Project 22350 frigates, and Project 885 Yasen-class submarines, among other platforms.

http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/10240-naval-news-july-2021-navy-forces-maritime-defense-industry/10422-admiral-golovko-frigate-to-be-first-armed-ship-of-tsirkon.html

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Russian Shipbuilder Unveils Export-Oriented Missile Corvette Project 22160E

The Northern Design Bureau (a subsidiary of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, USC) has designed an export-oriented 2,200-t missile corvette on the base of the Russian Navy’s Project 22160 patrol ship.

Martin Manaranche  16 Jul 2021

By TASS Russian news agency

The design of the new ship was unveiled at the International Maritime Defense Show 2021 held in Saint Petersburg between 23-27 June.

A USC representative told Jane’s that the corvette can carry a mixed armament suite with a Kalibr-NKE missile system and the 3K96-3E Resurs vertically launched surface-to-air missile system. The Kalibr-NKE vertical launch systems (VLSs) are mounted in two four-cell banks located in the middle part of each board. Two 3K96-3E eight-cell VLSs with an ammunition load of 16 9M96E or 32 9M100E SAMs are mounted below deck in frontal part of the hull. At the customer’s request the corvette can be reconfigured as a naval air defense platform with 24 9M96E or 96 9M100E missiles.

According to Almaz-Antey concern, the developer of the Resurs, a system’s container accommodates a single 9M96E SAM or a cassette with four 9M100E SAMs. The Resurs simultaneously engages five targets at slant ranges of 28 km (for 9M96E) or 10 km (for 9M100E) and at altitudes of 20 km (for 9M96E) or 4 km (for 9M100E).

The Project 22160-based light corvette is 94 m long, 14 m wide, and has a draught of 3.4 m. It produces a full speed of 27 kt, a cruise range of 4,500 nm, and an endurance of 30 days. The ship is powered with a 16,000-kW main engine.

The platform also features a frontal 57 mm naval gun, two machineguns, a Paket-E/NK anti-submarine warfare system, MGK-335EM-03 sonar, Vinyetka-EM sonar, a helipad for a 12 t rotorcraft, and Pozitiv-ME1 air/naval target search radar.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/russian-shipbuilder-unveils-export-oriented-missile-corvette-project-22160e/

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Putin enaltece poderio militar da Rússia

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The Russian Navy has marked its 325th birthday with services and celebrations across the country.

The main naval parade took place on the Neva River, St Petersburg, on July 25th 2021.

The celebrations were also held in the Russian naval bases of Caspiisk, Severomorsk, Sevastopol, Baltiisk, Vladivostok and at the naval base in Tartus, Syria.

Around 4,000 sailors, and over 50 ships, boats and submarines took part in the parade as well as 48 naval aviation airplanes and helicopters. Also taking part in the parade were ships from the navies of Iran, Pakistan and India.



The ships included the Marshal Ustinov missile cruiser, the Admiral Kasatonov frigate, the Vice Admiral Kulakov large landing ship, the Gremyashchy and the Stoiky missile corvettes, the Pyotr Morgunov and the Minsk large landing ships, and the Alexander Obukhov and the Vladimir Yemelyanov minesweepers.

The static part of the parade featured for the first time the Knyaz Vladimir submarine strategic missile cruiser of the Borey-A project.

Prior to the main part of the parade, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief sailed aboard a cutter around the combat ships gathered in parade formation in the Bay of Finland and in the inner harbor of Kronstadt.

https://www.navaltoday.com/2021/07/26/russian-navy-celebrates-its-325th-birthday/

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Project 885M Yasen-M-class Krasnoyarsk SSGN. Sevmash Shipyard picture.

Sevmash Shipyard Launches Russian Navy Project 855M Krasnoyarsk SSGN

Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk floated the Krasnoyarsk Yasen-M-class SSGN of project 885M, TASS reports from the site.
Martin Manaranche  30 Jul 2021

By TASS Russian news agency

“The plans for the submarine have been formed and the crew prepared. I am sure Sevmash will commission the SSGN on time.”

Russian Navy Commander in Chief Nikolai Yevmenov
Head of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) Alexey Rakhmanov said Sevmash was working to accelerate nuclear submarine production by 9-14 months. “The shipyard has to decrease the construction time of serial submarines by 9-14 months,” he said adding the USC was assisting the shipyard.

Sevmash plans to launch three submarines by the end of the year. It is loaded for ten years, shipyard Director Mikhail Budnichenko said.

“We have to commission three submarines this year. There is work for ten years to come.”

Sevmash Shipyard Director Mikhail Budnichenko
The Navy has to receive the Novosibirsk SSGN of project 885M, the Knyaz Oleg Borey-A-class SSBN of project 955A, and the Belgorod special-designation nuclear submarine of project 09852 by the end of the year.

The Krasnoyarsk is the second serial submarine of project 885M. It was laid on July 27, 2014. The Russian Navy operates the Severodvinsk K-560 Yasen-class SSGN of project 885. It was laid by Sevmash on December 21, 1993, floated on June 15, 2010, and commissioned on July 17, 2014. The Navy also received the Kazan K-561 SSGN of project 885M. It was laid on July 24, 2009 and floated on March 31, 2017.

The Severodvinsk and the Kazan operate in the Northern fleet. The Novosibirsk first serial SSGN of project 885M was laid on July 26, 2013 and floated on December 25, 2019. It will be the first SSGN of the class in the Pacific fleet.

Sevmash is building another six SSGN of project 885M — the Krasnoyarsk, the Arkhangelsk (laid on March 19, 2015), the Perm (laid on July 29, 2016), the Ulyanovsk (laid on July 28, 2017), the Voronezh and the Vladivostok (both laid on July 20, 2020). The series of eight SSGN of project 885M is to be completed in 2028 when the Vladivostok joins the Navy.

-End-

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/sevmash-shipyard-launches-russian-navy-project-855m-krasnoyarsk-ssgn/

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Russia’s Project 636.3 Submarine ‘Magadan’ Starts State Trials

The Admiralty Wharves Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC)) has started the state trials of the third Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarine (NATO reporting name: Improved Kilo) B-602 "Magadan" built for the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet.

Naval News Staff  17 Aug 2021

TASS Russian news agency

“The Admiralty Wharves Shipyard has launched the state trials of the Project 636 large diesel-electric submarine Magadan. The third submarine of a series designed for the Pacific Fleet began its state trials on August 16. During a week, the shipyard’s specialists will check the operation of all the shipborne systems, mechanisms and equipment, including sonars and navigation complexes,”

The submarine will also carry out deep diving to assess its controllability at various operational depths. After the state trials are completed, the submarine Magadan will return to the shipyard for its inspection and finishing, the press office said.

A series of six Project 636.3 submarines designed for the Pacific Fleet is being built by the Admiralty Wharves Shipyard. The Project 636.3 lead submarine Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky was delivered to the customer in December 2019. The second submarine Volkhov was launched in December 2019 and is undergoing shipbuilders trials. The third submarine Magadan was laid down on November 1, 2019 and will be delivered to the Navy in November 2021.

Project 636.3 submarines are third-generation large diesel-electric submarines and are among the world’s most noiseless subs. The submarine has a length of 74 meters, a maximum displacement of more than 3,900 tons, an operational depth of 240 meters, a maximum depth of 300 meters, and a cruising range of 7,500 nautical miles.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/08/russias-project-636-3-submarine-magadan-starts-state-trials/

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 Yantar has a number of special systems to support surveys and undersea operations. The ship is not in herself covert, but some of her missions are shrouded in secrecy and subject to informed speculation. Photo by Yörük Işık.

Russian Spy Ship Yantar Loitering Near Trans-Atlantic Internet Cables

Russia's secretive special survey ship Yantar raises eyebrows when she appears off Western shores. She has previously been noted conducting operations off Syria, in the Persian Gulf and off Americas. And elsewhere. Now she is off the coast of Ireland, loitering in the vicinity of underwater internet cables.

H I Sutton  19 Aug 2021

The Russian Navy related ship Yantar has turned up off the Atlantic coast of Ireland. An Irish Defence Forces spokesperson said that the Irish Navy is aware of the ship.

The ship carries a range of deep-diving submersibles and sonar systems and has been suspected of operating on undersea cables before.

Yantar took up a stationary position between two undersea internet cables on Tuesday morning. According to AIS (automated identification system) positions collected by MarineTraffic.com, the ship moved into a position between the cables around 4am local time. She has remained there for most of Wednesday before resuming her journey southwest.

In the hours before stopping, it had altered course to run parallel to the expected route of the Celtic Norse undersea cable. The other nearby cable is the AEConnect-1 which runs between Ireland and the United States. It is possible that there is additional underwater infrastructure in the vicinity.

According to analysis of open sources (OSINT), Yantar left the base of Olenya Guba in the Russian Arctic around August 8. Yantar does not appear to have been on AIS between leaving Olenya Guba and arriving off Ireland. Navy vessels are not bound by the same rules as civilian vessels and Yantar appears to routinely turns off her AIS. So her exact whereabouts have not yet been determined. However Russian Navy ships have been noted off the West Coast of Ireland and also off Scotland during this time.

Olenya Guba is where a number of special assets are based. These include the Russian Navy’s famous Losharik spy submarine which suffered a fatal fire on July 1, 2019. Other unusual marine systems include a pen for trained Beluga Whales. This was possibly related to the whale which turned up off the Norwegian coast in April 2019.

Yantar is described variously as a ‘Special Purpose Ship’ and an ‘Oceanographic vessel’. These are however seen as euphemisms for a spy ship. She is operated by Russia’s secretive Main Directorate of Underwater Research (GUGI) who also operate Russia’s ‘special mission’ (read ‘spy’) submarines.

Yantar is equipped with the pr.16810 “Rus” (AS-37 Russia) crewed submersible which can dive to over 6,000 meters (20,000 feet). This is much deeper than the 100 meter (300 foot) deep waters where she is currently hovering. The submersible is carried in a large hangar and is launched over the starboard (righthand) side. At her stern there are two a-frames for launching smaller submersibles and remote operated vehicles (ROVs). Crewed systems may include the ARS-600 which is the Russian version of the Canadian designed Deep Worker submersible.

The submersibles and ROVs can be used for operating on seabed infrastructure such as internet cables. Additionally Yantar can use her shipboard and towed sonar systems to map the sea floor.

Other ships have recently been suspected of surveying near undersea cables. On August 15 The Times reported that an investigation is under way relating to unauthorized undersea works. A civilian vessel was suspected of surveying a cable on behalf of Russia. Even if Yantar’s current mission is not directly related, it is part of the bigger picture.

Based on previous operating patterns Yantar is likely to deploy for several months and conduct multiple surveys, often near internet cables.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/08/russian-spy-ship-yantar-loitering-near-trans-atlantic-internet-cables/

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Navy called in as Russians suspected of targeting undersea internet cable
John Mooney

Sunday August 15 2021, 12.01am BST, The Sunday Times


One TD described undersea cables as an Achilles heel

An investigation is under way to establish if a deep-sea vessel caught engaging in unauthorised undersea works off the south coast was targeting a cable on behalf of the Russian military.

The Defence Forces have stepped up maritime surveillance off the south coast after a naval patrol found a large ship engaged in underwater activities close to a cable that carries internet traffic between Europe and America. The vessel was discovered 170 nautical miles off the coast, within Ireland’s exclusive economic zone, in late July. The navy reported its presence to the Coast Guard and Defence Forces headquarters.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/navy-called-in-as-russians-suspected-of-targeting-undersea-internet-cable-jztg8t6lx

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ZALA AERO GROUP introduced unmanned combat aerial system «KUB-UAV» land version at International defence exhibition “IDEX 2019” in Abu Dhabi, UAE. ZALA Aero Group picture.

Russian Company Develops New Naval Kamikaze Drone

The ZALA Aero Company integrated into the Kalashnikov Group within Russia’s Rostec state hi-tech corporation is developing a naval version of the KUB-UAV combat unmanned aerial vehicle.

Martin Manaranche  24 Aug 2021

By TASS Russian news agency

It will be the first Russian-made drone of the type, Company Chief for Special Projects Nikita Khamitov said at the Army 2021 forum.

“Anticipating the customer’s requirements, we have started to work on the naval version of the KUB-UAV on our own initiative. It will be carried by high-speed landing boats and special ships, which will considerably enhance their combat capabilities.”

Nikita Khamitov, ZALA Aero Company’s Chief for special project.


ZALA AERO presented a new modification of the sea-based KUB-UAV guided ammunition.

The UAV is being developed by a subsidiary of the ZALA Aero Company. The drone will have a speed of 80-130 km/h (50-81 mph). It will be able to operate for 30 minutes and have a payload of 3 kg. It will have a length of 1,21m, a width of 0,95 m and a height of 0,165 m.

After the launch, the drone can loiter in the air to detect a target and then attack it from the upper hemisphere, being able to perform a diving pass along the vertical trajectory. This allows it to attack tanks in the field from the upper hemisphere, piercing the turret that has minimal armor protection in the upper part. Ordinary air defense systems face difficulties in countering the company’s advanced drone.

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Naval News comments
The KUB updated version has an increased range of application, as well as the ability to perform missions as part of a guided swarm.


https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/08/russian-company-develops-new-naval-kamikaze-drone/

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The keel laying ceremony for the two SSK at Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. Admiralty Shipyards picture.

Russia Lays Keel Of Four Submarines And Two Corvettes At Once

Russian President Vladimir Putin today participated via video conference in a keel laying ceremony of four submarines (two SSBN and two SSK) and two corvettes for the Russian Navy according to press release published by the Kremlin.

Martin Manaranche  23 Aug 2021

The keel-laying ceremony was held at Sevmash Shipyards in Severodvinsk, Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg, and Amur Shipyard in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The keelplates were placed on two Project 955A nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) Borei-A-class submarines, ‘Knyaz Potemkin’ and ‘Dmitry Donskoy’, two improved Kilo-class Project 636.3 submarines, ‘Mozhaisk’ and ‘Yakutsk’, as well as two corvettes: The Project 20380 (Steregushchiy-class) ‘Grozny’ and the Project 20385 (Gremyashchiy-class) ‘Buyny’.

“I congratulate all shipbuilders and sailors of Russia on a new important stage in the development of our country’s Navy – the start of construction of another series of modern ships.”

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.

According to an official released by the Kremlin, all ships will be equipped with modern high-precision weapons and the latest control and communication equipment. The effectiveness of most of them has been proven in the course of combat missions in Syria.

“I have said more than once and would like to reiterate: a strong, sovereign Russia needs a powerful, balanced Navy. Today the Navy plays the key role in our nation’s security, firmly defends our national interests, and makes a tangible contribution to strengthening strategic parity and international stability.”

“We will continue to develop Russia’s naval potential, improve the fleet’s basing system and infrastructure, provide the ships with the latest weapons and equipment, practice complex training and combat missions during exercises and long-distance sea voyages, and conduct “demonstration” of the Russian flag in strategically important areas of the world’s oceans.”

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/08/russia-lays-keel-of-four-submarines-and-two-corvettes-at-once/

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Russia to start Tsirkon hypersonic missile flight trials from Severodvinsk nuclear submarine in September 2021

POSTED ON SUNDAY, 29 AUGUST 2021 15:23
 
   
According to information released by the Russian press agency, TASS on August 26, 2021, Russian-made Tsirkon hypersonic missile will begin flight trials from the Severodvinsk Yasen-class nuclear submarine on September 2021, citing a source of the Russian defense industry.

The first test launch of Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the Severodvinsk submarine in the White Sea is scheduled in September 2021,” said press officer of the Russian defense industry at the Army-2021 International Military Technical Forum in Moscow, Russia. Several test launches are to be made before the White Sea is covered with ice.

Another source said the submarine launch should be preceded by a test launch from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate. NPO mashinostroenia that designed Tsirkon refused to comment on this information.

Many countries in the world have launched the development of hypersonic missile systems including China, Russia and the United States. Most U.S. hypersonic weapons, in contrast to those in Russia and China, are not being designed for use with a nuclear warhead. As a result, U.S. hypersonic weapons will likely require greater accuracy and will be more technically challenging to develop than nuclear-armed Chinese and Russian systems. Hypersonic missiles can fly at a speed of Mach 5. This type of missile could challenge detection and defense due to its speed, maneuverability, and low altitude of flight. Currently, terrestrial-based radar cannot detect hypersonic weapons until late in the weapon’s flight.

Today, Russia has launched two hypersonic weapons programs including the Avangard and the 3M22 Tsirkon (or Zircon), and has reportedly fielded the Kinzhal (“Dagger”), a maneuvering air-launched ballistic missile.

The Tsirkon is a ship-launched hypersonic cruise missile capable of traveling at speeds of between Mach 6 and Mach 8. The missile is reportedly capable of striking both ground and naval targets. According to Russian news sources, Tsirkon has a range of between approximately 400 and 965 km and can be fired from the vertical launch systems mounted on cruisers Admiral Nakhimov and Pyotr Veliky, Project 20380 corvettes, Project 22350 frigates, and Project 885 Yasen-class submarines, among other platforms.

The K-560 Severodvinsk is a Yasen-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine of the Russian NavyThe Yasen-class nuclear submarines will be armed with land-attack cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine missiles including the P-800 Oniks SLCM, Kalibr family SLCM or 3M51 SLCM. Kalibr-PL has several variants including the 3M54K (terminal-supersonic) and 3M54K1 (subsonic) anti-ship, 91R1 anti-submarine, and the 3M14K land-attack variant. The submarine will be also able to fire hypersonic 3M22 Zircon cruise missiles. Each submarine can carry 32 Kalibr or 24 Oniks, according to Russian military sources, the submarine will be able to carry 40 Kalibr and 32 Oniks cruise missiles which are stored in eight (ten for 855M) vertical launchers. Additional missiles may be carried in the torpedo room at the expense of torpedoes. and the lead vessel of this class. 

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/august/10620-russia-to-start-tsirkon-hypersonic-missile-flight-trials-from-severodvinsk-nuclear-submarine-in-september-2021.html