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.
Russia
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.
Russia develops bigger Kalibr missiles and Gorshkov-class frigates
A bunch of frigate related news out of Russia. They want more Gorshkov-class frigates, increase the number of missile launchers, develop a larger frigate design, and build a bigger version of Kalibr missiles.
Posters of Russian warships constructed 2016-19
These two amazing posters of new Russian warships are produced by militaryrussia.ru.
Rumors of imminent Russian attacks on Ukraine are usually wrong
Rumors that Russia would attack Ukraine during Christmas turned out to be false. That was predictable. If Russia wants to attack Ukraine, they are strong enough to do it whenever they want. They don’t need to check the Western holiday calendar. An escalation in January seems more likely.
Russia’s first Karakurt-corvette enters service in the Baltic Fleet
The Karakurt-class corvette Mytishchi has been commisioned by the Russian Navy and joined the Baltic Fleet. It is the first ship in this new class of smaller Russian warships.
Russian speaking U.S. soldiers on exercise in Estonia is brilliant information work
A television performance by two U.S. soldiers has achieved remarkable strategic effect. In fluent Russian they explain what the American soldiers are doing during an exercise in Estonia. It sends the right message to both the Russian minorities in the Baltic countries and to Russia as a potential enemy.
Sanctions are a tool of reward, not of punishment
It is doubtful that Western sanctions have had any effect on Russia’s behavior but that doesn’t mean that the sanctions don’t work. They will be good bargaining chips some day when things are less emotional.
