Views: 7
BULGARIAN MILITARY
To meet the demands of the Russian Navy and prepare for the growing importance of the polar regions, the Admiralty Shipyards are making strides with their new Project 23550 icebreaker’s navigation and systems testing. Designed specifically for Arctic surveillance and patrol duties, this new class includes four units aimed at bolstering forces like the Coast Guard of the Border Service of the Russian Federation. These ships will be equipped with powerful weapons, such as the Caliber family of missiles.
According to local sources, including the TASS agency, the St. Petersburg-based shipyard’s recent tests have focused on the first unit of the Ivan Papanin class. Launched in October 2019, this 8,500-ton patrol vessel has embarked on its initial voyages this year. The final trials for Ivan Papanin took place in the Baltic Sea, concluding with the patrol vessel successfully returning to its northern Russian port.
The Russian Ministry of Defense shared that, “During this testing phase, the crew and the delivery team from Admiralty Shipyards conducted checks on the propulsion plant, vital support systems, and communications.” Previously, the ship’s crew completed rigorous training at the Navy’s Joint Training Center.
This class includes the Ivan Papanin, and another ship currently under construction for the Russian Navy, named Nikolai Zubov, which is expected to be launched soon. Additionally, the icebreakers Purga and Dzerzhinsky are currently being developed for the Coast Guard of the Border Service of the Russian Federation. They have distinct configurations, tailored to their specific roles within the forces.
What’s noteworthy about Project 23550 class icebreakers is their unique set of equipment, designed for operations in polar regions with heavy ice coverage. This is particularly true when you consider their impressive weaponry. For instance, these icebreakers are armed with a 76.2 mm main gun at the bow, bolstered by two 30 mm AK-630M CIWS air defense systems and a Kalibr family cruise missile launch system. Some sources even suggest they might be equipped with Uran anti-ship missiles [or Zvezda Kh-35, known to NATO as the AS-20 Kayak].
About Zvezda Kh-35
The Russian Zvezda Kh-35 is an anti-ship missile designed to target and neutralize enemy naval vessels. It is part of Russia’s advanced arsenal aimed at maintaining maritime superiority and deterring potential threats. The missile is known for its precision and effectiveness in naval warfare scenarios.
In terms of dimensions, the Zvezda Kh-35 measures approximately 4.5 meters in length and has a diameter of around 0.42 meters. The missile’s compact size allows it to be deployed from various platforms, including submarines, surface ships, and coastal defense systems, providing flexibility in its operational use.
The technical characteristics of the Zvezda Kh-35 include a solid-fuel rocket engine, which provides the necessary thrust for the missile to reach its target. It is equipped with advanced guidance systems, including inertial navigation and active radar homing, ensuring high accuracy even in challenging conditions. The missile’s speed and maneuverability make it a formidable weapon against enemy ships.
The Zvezda Kh-35 can be fitted with different types of warheads, depending on the mission requirements. These include high-explosive fragmentation warheads, designed to inflict maximum damage on the target, and armor-piercing warheads, which are effective against heavily armored vessels. The versatility in warhead options allows the missile to be tailored to specific threat scenarios.
The operational range of the Zvezda Kh-35 is estimated to be around 120 kilometers. This range enables it to engage targets at a significant distance, providing a strategic advantage in naval engagements. The missile’s range, combined with its precision and destructive power, makes it a critical component of Russia’s naval strike capabilities.