The Norwegian frigate “Helge Ingstad” is sinking after a collision with a Maltese tanker. It is a surreal event to observe. Will be interesting to hear more details about what went wrong. Here are a few quick thoughts.
Navy
Corruption sends high-ranking naval officer to jail in Russia
The leader of the Department of Navigation and Oceanography in the Russian Defense Ministry faces prison after being found guilty of fraud.
U.S. Navy plans to develop two new classes of submarine
The U.S. Navy plans to develop a new cruise missile submarine and a new attack submarine. It is an expensive solution that comes just days after president Trump’s announcement of defense cuts.
Russia’s new Karakurt-class corvette is an aggressive little warship
Russia’s new Karakurt-class corvette is a potent warship for littoral warfare. It has many improvements over the Buyan-M class and is still equipped with nuclear capable Kalibr missiles.
Second Lada-class submarine launched 13 years after keel laying
Russia’s most modern diesel-electric submarine is the Lada-class, and now the second ship in the series has been launched into the water. Barring further delays, it will be handed to the navy in 2020. It still doesn’t have air-independent propulsion, though.
Russia still plans to build Mistral-class replacement
Russia seems determined to build new large universal landing ships for the Navy. It is obvious that they really wanted the Mistral-class ships that France in 2015 decided not to deliver.
Russia reinforces Baltic Fleet with submarine ‘Alrosa’
The submarine Alrosa will soon join the Baltic Fleet. It has a special pumpjet propulsion system, which makes it even more quiet that other Kilo class submarines. At the same time, Russia is retiring an old submarine from service in the Baltic Sea.
Did a Russian frigate track down an Ohio class submarine?
The Russian frigate Admiral Essen tracked down an American Ohio class submarine back in April. That claims a Russian newspaper which puts great pride in the accomplishment. But isn’t it a weird thing to brag about? After all, it does reveal that most of the time you have no clue where the American submarines are.
U.S. approves sale of SM2 missiles to Denmark
The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of SM2 missiles to Denmark. The plan is to use them to increase the capabilities of Denmark’s Iver Huitfeldt class frigates which so far have sailed around with empty Mark 41 launchers.
Video of Navy Day parade in Saint Petersburg, producers missed the flagship
Here is a video of the Navy Day 2018 parade in Saint Petersburg. Unfortunately, the TV producers fail to show the flagship of the parade, the nuclear submarine Orel. It seems they got their submarines mixed up and showed pictures of a Kilo class instead.
