Uncompleted cruiser Ukraina could be retrofitted into landing craft to fight piracy

29.09.2010 Former cruiser Ukraina could be completed as a landing ship, if Russia finally decides to purchase her, writes Russian magazine National Defense.

Anyway, the cruiser is in need of modernization, underlines the magazine. In particular, it is necessary to install more advanced weapon systems.

However, another option also exists – retrofitting of the cruiser into an expeditionary landing ship. "All antiship missile launch tubes should be taken away which will increase space of heliport and hangar. Then, it'd be reasonable to mount strengthened davits capable to drop landing boats; compartments for marines should be also furnished. Only coupled gun mount and close-in weapon systems must remain for support of landing party. Such ship could be quite effective in anti-piracy patrols off Somalia", writes the authors. "Nonetheless, one should calculate all things to make sure whether the game is worth the candle", underlines the magazine.