Russia's Caspian Flotilla to beef up its fleet with three new tugs and Tsaplya class LCACs in 2016, 2017
In 2016 three new tugboats will enter service with the Caspian Flotilla and in 2017 Tsaplya class air cushioned landing crafts, the Southern Military District reported citing the Flotilla commander.
"As early as March we will begin sea trials of a new rescue tugboat "SB-738" designed for search and rescue (SAR) operations. In addition, we expect two more tugs will join the auxiliary fleet. And the next year - air-cushioned landing crafts (LCAC) of Project 1206.1 "Murena" will be commissioned into service with the Flotilla fleet,” the Flotilla Commander, Rear Admiral Igor Osipov was quoted as saying at a briefing with journalists.
He added that before the end of 2020, the Caspian Flotilla will expand its fleet with about six warships and crafts. In addition to the newbuilds from Russian shipyards the fleet is undergoing refitting and modernization. Upgrade of onboard systems and machinery has been completed on the flagship missile ship "Tatarstan". "
“Now the share of modern warships and new crafts of the Caspian Flotilla constitute more than 80%. By 2020, the Flotilla's fleet and armament systems will be upgraded by 90%. Therefore, the potential of the fleet increases from year to year ", Rear Adm. said.
Over the past two years 13 new vessels have entered service with the Caspian Flotilla. The Navy commissioned three new fast attack missile ship "Grad Sviyazhsk", "Uglich", "Velikiy Ustyug" and landing craft, "Serna".
Besides, the Flotilla is expanding its auxiliary and service fleet and has taken delivery of 7salvage ships, SAR tugboat "SB-45" and a crane vessel "STS-79".
Tsaplya class LCAC (Project 1206.1, Murena) was designed by naval architecture and marine engineering state-owned company Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau (chief designer Yuri Semienov). The ship can transport one 48.6-tonne tank, or two APCs, or 2 IFVs. Instead of military equipment the craft's cargo deck can be equipped to accommodate 130 marines. LCAC hull is welded, made of high-strength corrosion-resistant aluminum and magnesium alloy.
