30.11.2009
Baltic Fleet's frigate Neustrashimy sailed off for long-range cruise and will probably be used in anti-piracy activities near Somalia, says Interfax referring to Baltic Fleet HQ.
When
Neustrashimy reaches the Atlantic, it will complete a number of combat training tasks and then will probably head for Somali coast to fight piracy.
The ship was previously planned to head for Horn of Africa to counteract piracy at once. However, that plan was changed shortly before the cruise. Nevertheless, the fleet's authorities have no doubt that
Neustrashimy will soon be sent to piracy region as the crew and equipment are prepared for that.
Some time ago
Neustrashimy had passed repair at
Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad. It was laid up right after its return from previous distant cruise where it had been performing anti-piracy tasks. Since late Sept 2008 till Feb 2009 the vessel had been enhancing security of navigation near Somalia and was the first Russian combat ship counteracting pirates in that region. Ship's speed is 30 knots; operational range is 3,000 miles; crew is 210 men including 35 officers. Armament includes "ship-to-ship" attack missile system, middle and short-range SAM systems, 100-mm multipurpose gun mount, torpedo tubes,
Ka-27 helicopter.
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