Baltic Fleet to be reinforced with newest ships

17.03.2011 Russia's Baltic Fleet (BF) will receive new surface ships armed with up-to-date weapons in the nearest years under perspective Navy Renovation Program, said BF Commander Viktor Chirkov.

This statement was made at BF top officers' meeting convened with a view to deliberate about 5-year development concept of the Russia's oldest fleet [Baltic Fleet], its role in current geopolitical situation and combat worthiness.

Chirkov underlined that the scheduled reinforcement with new corvettes and landing ships would contribute to increasing fleet's combat capabilities, reports ITAR-TASS.

In 2010 the fleet acquired new ships equipped with sophisticated arms and facilities – frigate Yaroslav Mudry, corvette Stereguschiy, and diesel submarine St. Petersburg, said Capt 2 rank Andrei Taraman, BF Commander's press secretary.

As for Chirkov, near-term outlook includes commissioning of corvettes Soobrazitelny and Boiky. Ships of this project are designed for antisurface/antisubmarine/antiaircraft warfare and fire support of landing operations.

In addition, old ships operated by BF will be also modernized with new equipment and armament.

As for BF Commander's conclusion, today's Baltic Fleet effectively performs its critical mission to protect Russia's national interests and maintain stability at western boundary".