23.06.2010
Possible transfer of two Baltic Fleet (BF) frigates Yaroslav Mudry and Neustrashimy to Black Sea Fleet (BSF) is related not with reinforcement of BSF but with more rapid response to the threat of piracy at the Horn of Africa, reported Wednesday RIA Novosti referring to a top-ranking official from Russian Navy Main HQ.
As was reported by some media sources, Black Sea Fleet would be reinforced by transfer of warships from Baltic and Northern fleets. In particular, there were talks of possible transfer of BF frigates
Yaroslav Mudry and
Neustrashimy.
"Indeed, Russian Navy command tackles the issue of two BF frigates to be transferred to Black Sea Fleet. This is associated with the fact that Sevastopol is located much closer to the piracy-dangerous Gulf of Aden than Baltiysk. Nevertheless, the decision has not been made yet", said the admiral.
According to him, once positive decision is made, BSF could really be reinforced with two warships. "But that's another side of the coin. The main thing is economy of time and resources while maintaining security near the Horn of Africa", said the interviewee.
Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief previously said to
RIA Novosti that combat capabilities of Black Sea Fleet would be strengthened by new-built ships and submarines. 15 frigates and diesel subs will be commissioned into BSF till 2020, said the commander.
