There finally is a reliable list of participating ships for Russia’s Naval Day parade in Saint Petersburg. It is a very similar collection of ships as last year. The biggest surprise is the participation of the frigate Admiral Gorshkov which is returning from a trip around the world.
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Update on Russia’s weapon development programs
Russia has some impressive new weapons under development, but many of the projects have been struck by problems and delays. Here is an overview of how things are going with the most spectacular programs.
Russia gets dedicated mobile network for military personnel
Russia’s new phone operator “Voentelekom” specializes in cellular connections for the military. This allows more secure mobile connections but also tighter surveillance of their own employees.
Another example of how we overrate Russia’s air defense weapons
The British Air Vice-Marshal Simon Rochelle has some dramatic assumptions about the usability of NATO aircraft in future peer-level wars. But a new FOI report calls for more cool-headed estimates of Russia’s air defense weapons.
New ships to expect for Russia’s navy in 2019
Here is a list of 11 new warships for Russia’s navy in 2019. It includes some large submarines and a new frigate.
US European forces chief wants more presence, Trump pushes for allies to pay
US general pushes for more warships in Europe to maintain American dominance. Trump wants allies to pay a premium for hosting US forces. The incompatibility between these two views is striking.
Frigate “Neustrashimy” set to re-join Baltic Fleet in November 2019
It looks like the frigate “Neustrashimy” will be back in service after five years under repair. With a little luck, all the big ships in the Russian Baltic Fleet will be operational for the first time in a long time.
Debate over USS Fitzgerald collision still misses point about broken US Navy procedures
The debate about the USS Fitzgerald accident is still off track. The interesting discussion is what to do about the fact that the US Navy has deficient navigation procedures.
Russia has found money to repair the flagship of the Baltic Fleet
The destroyer “Nastoichivy” is now set to re-enter service after many years in inoperable condition. It is a Sovremenny-class ship which is known to have an unreliable propulsion system.
Russia equips Gorshkov-class frigates with laser dazzlers
Russia’s new frigates now have a laser dazzler that can blind an opponent. The 5P-42 “Filin” system works in dark conditions against both human eyes and electronic sensors. It is mostly intended as a short-range self defense weapon.
Russia increases number of tanks in Kaliningrad
A new tank regiment has been formed in Kaliningrad. This more than doubles the number of tanks in the Russian enclave.
