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| The Navy has for some time been at the forefront of China's drive to be regarded as a force to be reckoned with both regionally and internationally. The primary theatre of naval operations and the scenario most likely to drive naval procurement is clearly the South and East China Seas, the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. This is enclosed by what is described by China watchers as `the first island chain' that stretches from Japan in the north to the Indonesian archipelago in the south. Political interest is of course another matter and it is significant that China has chosen to use naval forces, so far by modest deployments to Australia, South Africa and across the Pacific to the United States, to emphasise its position as a world power. Taking into account delivery of newly acquired ships from Russia to China via the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, it could be argued that the Chinese Navy set foot in every ocean during the year 2000. While growing credentials as a `blue water navy' cannot yet be interpreted as a capability to project power over oceanic distances, it is nevertheless a marked achievement for what was a `brown water' navy only a decade ago. There has been considerable debate about the ability of China to invade Taiwan. Principal speculation has centered on ballistic missile attack and follow-up operations by a sizeable, if ageing, amphibious force, augmented by civilian sealift. Flying in support of these forces would be an extensive inventory of land-based air defence and ground attack aircraft, whose radius of operation from the mainland would be augmented by in-flight refuelling. |
| At sea, a force of ships of growing sophistication provides both offensive and defensive capabilities. The `Luhu' and larger derivative `Luhai' are examples of indigenous build destroyers while the acquisition of up to four Russian `Sovremenny' class, the second of which arrived in China in February 2001, are powerful additions to the fleet as well as being significant transfers of technology. There are in addition some 50 more lightly armed destroyers and frigates. All this adds up to a formidable force but any threat reduction process would also take note of a relatively unsophisticated command, control and communications infrastructure and low numbers of reconnaissance and airborne early warning aircraft. All these make important contributions to the potency of a force at sea and are essential ingredients if overall effectiveness is to exceed the sum of its parts. |
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While much attention has centered on Chinese surface and air forces, rather less attention has been given to Chinese submarines and the alternative, and some would argue more likely, scenario of a blockade of Taiwan. That there are five current submarine programmes emphasises the importance that China places on this form of warfare and that the submarine's potential to act as a coercive influence is well recognised. Five nuclear-powered attack submarines are at the forefront of the force but the majority of boats are diesel-powered and include a mixture of relatively modern Russian `Kilo' class and indigenous `Song' and `Ming' classes with some thirty older Russian `Romeo' class. |
| Finally, by 2006, PLAN could get an entire fleet of comparatively advanced diesel-electric submarines: three to four Song, four old-generation Kilos, eight new-generation Kilos, and at least four Chinese-made Kilos of the new version. Such a fleet, united with the aforementioned advanced destroyers, could greatly affect the naval balance not only around Taiwan, but in the South China Sea and East China Sea as well. In the first half of 2002, the attention of Western military specialists was drawn to two large-scale contracts concluded by China and Russia and aimed at PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy modernization: 1. construction of two Sovremenny-class missile destroyers, for $1.4 billion; 2. construction of eight upgraded Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines, for $1.6 billion.
Indeed, $3 billion in six months is a huge sum of money. However, this represents only a part of the resources directed at PLA Navy (PLAN) modernization. In any case, the rate of PLAN modernization and construction is not inferior to similar rates of the PLA Air Force and air-defense network. |
PLAN ( People's Liberation Army Navy ) Fleet :
Surface Combatants :
- Type 052B DDG
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The Type 052 DDG is a new class of Guided Missile Destroyers developed by the PLAN and could include for the first time in the PLAN a true fleet Air-Defense capability. Armament may include the indigenously developed HHQ-9 Air-Defense Missile System in a ship-borne vertical launch variant. Also 2 x 30 mm 7 barrel CIWS of project 730, one at the front, one at the back. Capable of 4600-5800 rounds/min. The new DDG could also have a new 3D phased array radar. The Type 052B could be powered by DA80/DN80 gas turbines imported from the Ukraine.
Stealth features are included in the design of the ship. According to report 3 Hulls of the 052B have been laid down at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, with the first ship being launched in May 2002 and the second one in late 2002. A larger type of the 052B, the O51C is also planned. |
- Haizhou (Sovremenny) Class Destroyer
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In 1996 an $800m deal was reached to purchase two Sovremenny class destroyers from Russia which were initially built for Soviet Navy each equipped with eight supersonic 3M-80E Moskit SS-N-22 SUNBURN (75/155nm range sea-skimming) and two SA-N-7 launchers. Construction of these two ships for the Russian navy had been suspended in 1995, with the one ship about two-thirds complete, and the other about one-third complete. As of August 1999 the two Sovremenyy-class destroyers ordered by China had been launched and were expected to enter PLA-Navy service by 2002. The displacement of this class exceeds that of any other Chinese surface warship by roughly at least 50%, indicative of the overall improvement in combat potential.
In 2002, China announced it would purchase two more Russian-made Sovremenny-class destroyers. The purchase for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) adds to the two operational Sovremenny destroyers, the Hangzhou and the Fuzhou. Unlike the Hangzhou and Fuzhou, which were assembled on hulls laid before the fall of the Soviet Union, the two destroyers will be new warships. According to Russia's Interfax agency (June 28), the Severnaya Verf (Northern Wharf) shipyard in Petersburg began building the first of two Sovremenny 956EM Project destroyers for China in June 2002. E and M in the project designation stand for "export" and "modernized." Construction of the second destroyer should start at the end of July. The two destroyers are to be completed and delivered to the customer in early 2006. the 956EM destroyers will be much more advanced than the 956E ones; the 'M' means a lot here. According to Western experts, these destroyers – according to their design, at least – are the naval vessels of the 21st century. |
- Luhai Class Destroyer
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The largest combatant constructed in China, the Type-054 "Luhai" class destroyer entered service with the PLAN in early 1999. Overall, the ship is an enlarged version of the Luhu class, with substantially simplified structures and masts for radar signature reduction , equipped with 16 C801/802 SSMs, an 8-cell HQ-7 SAM launcher, and two Z-9A helicoptors. The first Type 051B Luhai was equiped with only the short-range HHQ-7 SAM, prompting speculation that the next generation DDG (Type 052B?) would have an improved fleet-wide air-defense capability. The configuration of the ship indicates that a vertical launch system [VLS] will eventually installed
New Rice Shield/Type 381C 3D air search radar and Type 360S air/surface search radar were also installed. Its weapon systems are not much different from those onboard Luhu, including 16 YJ-82/YJ-83 SSM. The onboard ECM, electro-optical sensors and C3I systems appear to be generally similar to those installed on Luhu. However an improved combat data system is believed to be installed. One notable difference from the previous Luhu-class is the replacement of the diesel-gas-turbines with gas-turbine engines. |
- Luhu Class destroyer
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The Luhu-class missile destroyers are one of the most sophisticated Chinese-built surface combatants in the PLA Navy, but are still obsolete by Western standards. The were also the first truly multi-role Chinese warships. Its primary surface-to-surface weapons are 8 YJ-81/YJ-82 sea-skimming SSM. Its air-defence systems include 32 Thomson-CSF Sea Crotale/HHQ-7 SAMs and 4 twin 37mm Type 76A/715 automatic AA guns (760rd/min), The Luhu-class air-defence systems lack a fleet defence capability beyond visual range.
Among the western equipments on the Luhu class is the Thomson-CSF TSR 3004 Sea Tiger Air/Surface search radars, and French-made guns. The Thomson-CSF TAVITAC 2000 combat data system compiles a picture of the tactical situation using inputs from radars and other sensors both on the ship and from remote sources.The first of the class started sea trial in late 1992 with the second in mid-1995. The third and fourth were delayed/cancelled because of problems obtaining more LM2500 gas-turbines and other key Western systems. |
- Luda Class Destroyer
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The Type 051 Luda-class guided missile destroyer are similar to the discontinued Soviet Kotlin class. Intended for anti-ship strikes and were the first destroyers to be designed and built in China. The primary offensive armament is pair of "Sea Eagle I" ship-to-ship missiles.In common with the Soviet Kotlin class, the Luda class ships originally had no SAM missiles for self-protection. Three major variants have been produced, with at least 16 and as many as 17 units were built between 1972 and 1991.T
Luda I initial basic configuratuion, though with considerable variations in armament and electronics among units. Luda II added the 8-cell HQ-7 SAM system along with a helicopter deck and hangar replacing the aft gun armament Luda III features improved sonars, SSMs, and electronics on a single ship, DD166 Zhuhai. |
- Jiangwei Class Frigate
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The F22T Jiangwei class was the first Chinese patrol combatant to have anti-submarine capability. This new class entered service in 1992 and so far at least 4 vessels have been built.Its major weapons system is the CY-1 anti-submarine missile. There is a helicopter deck for one helicopter, and six C-802 anti-ship missiles are deployed, though the units lack any real ASW capability.Three years after the launch of the last Jiangwei [542 Tongling], Hudong Shipyard started construction of the improved Jiangwei II in 1996. The new Type 057 Jiangwei-II are generally similar to the original Jiangwei in size and arrangement.
They have upgraded radar and fire control systems, a pair of quadruple YJ-8II SSM systems (compared to the original pair of triple launchers), and an octuple HQ-7 SAM system. Despite these major improvements over existing ships, they lack vertical-launch system air defense missiles, which places them in a vulnerable position. At least five Type 057 frigates were constructed at Hudong Shipyard. The Jiangwei-III Type 059 class frigates, expected to begin construction before 2005, is anticipated to remedy the anti-air deficiencies of the Type 055 class through the addition of a vertical launch system battery of surface-to-air missiles. |
- Jianghu Class Frigate
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The Jianghu class frigate is the older generation of frigates currently serving in large numbers with the PLAN. It is armed with older generation surface-to-surface missiles, and an array of manually-controlled guns. Torpedoes, ASW mortars and ASW helicopter give the Jianghu class a certain degree of ASW capability. Its major drawback is the lack of a medium to long range surface-to-air capability, or a CIWS capable of defense against incoming missiles.
The early variants of this small, obsolete frigate are now primarily useful for coastal patrol, given the absence of gunfire control radars and obsolete missiles. The first four units of the 'Jianghu' class were laid down in 1973 and the Chinese navy now operates 26 of them. There are three main versions: the 'Jianghu IIs' have a hangar and carry a helicopter 'Jianghu IIIs' have twin 100-mm gun turrets instead of single weapons. 'Jianghu Is' have no fire-control radar. Their SSMs are the Chinese copy of the elderly Soviet 'Styx'. |
- Houjian Class Missile Boats
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The Houjian class is the latest example of a new series of small, fast and leathal missile boats now entering service.It houses a long-range search radar and a very capable fire control system, allowing it to carry up to six C-801 or C-802 surface-to-surface missiles. A compliment of guns provide limited anti-aircraft capability, but are more suited for smaller scale encounters which do not require the use of missiles. |
- Houxin Class Missile Boats
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The design of the Houxin is in line with traditional missile boats in service with the PLAN, fitted with a heavily load of surface-to-surface missiles and anti-aircraft guns. A compliment of four C-801 SSMs, which outperforms the Hsiung Feng I SSM in terms of range and warhead. As of early 2001 a total of 14 units of this class had been completed since 1990, with production continuing at about three per year. |
- Huangfeng-class Missile Boats
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The Huangfeng-class missile boats are Chinese copies of the popular Soviet Osa-I missile boat. Armed with the SS-N-2 Styx, the Osa and Komar missile boats have been staples of most Third World navies. |
Submarines :
- Type 094
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A new design (type 094) has been planned since the late 1980s. Possibly incorporating some Russian technology, the Type 094 is expected to be a dramatic improvement over the sole Xia class SSBN. by 2006, China could get one or, more probably, two "094 project" strategic submarines, equipped with JL (Julang or Giant Wave)-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 10,000 km; this is a submarine-based variety of China's DF-31 ICBM. Several successful tests of these SLBMs.
by 2006, China could get one or, more probably, two "094 project" strategic submarines, equipped with JL (Julang or Giant Wave)-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 10,000 km; this is a submarine-based variety of China's DF-31 ICBM. Several successful tests of these SLBMs |
- Type 093
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The new Type 93 SSN is expected to be similar in performance to Russian second generation designs such as the Victor III. In summer 2001, one or two newly constructed "093 project" attack submarines participated in Dongshan maneuvers near the coast of Fujian province, about 200 km from Taiwan.
By 2006, PLAN could acquire at least four "093 project" submarines, equipped by anti-ship cruise missiles with a range of up to 500 km (somewhat similar to Russia's Granit anti-ship missiles) and land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs) with a range of up to 2,500 km (similar to Russia's Granat LACMs). |
- Xia Class SSBN (1)
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In 1981 China launched the Xia-class SSBN #406, derived from the Han-class SSN, with the hull lengthened to accommodate the missile tubes. The Type-092 became operational in 1983, though missile firings conducted in 1984 and 1985 were unsatisfactory due to fire control problems which were not resoloved until until 1988.
The Xia class SSBN was initially armed with 12 JL-1 (CSS-N-3) SLBMs. Operations have been limited and the Xia has never sailed beyond Chinese regional waters.Somewhat surprisingly, the Xia was sighted during PLAN exercises in December 2000. This is the first time the Xia had been sighted at sea since it was upgraded in 1995. The single Xia class SSBN was back into the sea after a 3-year long refit. This modernization project included a new black paint, a new bow mounted sonar, a redesigned casing housing longer missile launch tubes, plus upgraded combat control systems for launching new SLBMs. |
- Han Class SSN attack submarine (5)
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Work started on the Type 09-1 Han class nuclear powered attack submarine in the late 1950s, though the first unit was not completed until 1974. With a fully loaded displacement of 5000 tons, this class is armed with six 533mm torpedoe tubes. The last three boats of the class were erroneously reported to have been lengthened by eight meters to accommodate tubes for six YJ-1 SSM launchers to the rear of the sail. All five units of this class are deployed with the North Sea Fleet. |
- Kilo Class SSK Submarine (4)
- Song Class SSK Submarine
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This new class of SSG was launched in May 1994 but not commissioned until 1998. Although it still retains the stepped conning tower similar to the old Ming/Romeo class, the overall design represents a major step forward compared with the obsolete Ming class. The improvement includes a hydrodynamically sleek profile, new cylindrical bow mounted sonars and German MTU 12V 493 diesel engine. 3 to 4 Song Class submarines may have been built.
As in the case in the aerospace industry, China will not be giving up the Song-class conventional submarine-upgrading project. The first two stages of the upgrade work have been completed. Starting with the third vessel, the Song (Type 039) submarine is very close to the French Agosta 90B in external shape. The height of the sail has been lowered in order to increase stability underwater. It is equipped with a new weapon control system. Song and Kilo 636 will also form a type of high-low combination. |
Amphibious Ships:
- Yuting Class Landing Ships (6)
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The Yuting class, although smaller in size and capacity, is a newer, faster and more versatile design than previous landing ships. Its cargo capacity includes the ability to carry a hovercraft for landings. However, its relatively weak armament is intended for light defense only. The ships do not contain a CIWS to defend against incoming missiles |
- Yukan Class Landing Ships (7)
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It is the largest LST in the PLAN inventory. It features guns for light defense and fire support but lacks a CIWS system to defend against the advanced weapons in use today.The Yukan-class large landing ships were built to replace the elderly Landing Ship Tank vessles that have been reduced to dockside mooring. |
Aircraft of the PLANAF ( People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force ) :
- Y-8MB
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The modified version of the Y-8 is specifically designated for maritime patrol.. It has a modified radome under the nose specially enlarged to house a Litton APS-504(V)3 search radar. Other inertial and radio navigation systems from Litton and Collins can also be found in the aircraft. It may be fitted with air-launched variants of the C-801/802 missiles, as the PLAN prefers offensive ability, although this has not been confirmed. |
- Z-9
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The Z-9 is the Chinese licensed version of the French SA-365 Dauphine 2. It is fitted with an unspecified surface search radar. It is also expected to carry a dipping sonar and sonobuoys, possibly of a European design. It is capable of carrying up to two Italian Whitehead torpedos for ASW mission. A number of Z-9s are serving aboard the new generation of frigates and destroyers. |
- Z-8
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The Z-8A has been fitted with a surface search radar and can carry one torpedo. Unconfirmed reports indicate the possibility of the type carrying an air-launched anti-ship missile. The ASW capability of the Z-8A is relatively weak, and the PLAN is slowing replacing this type with Z-9D ASW helicopters. |
- KA-28
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According to a Janes report, China is to buy 12 Kamov Ka-28 'Helix-A' twin-turbine multi-purpose helicopters from Russia to substantially boost its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
PLAN acquired two Ka-28 ASW helicopters in 1997 for evaluation purpose. Later it received four ASW version and four SAR version in 1999. An independent Ka-28 regiment was then established by the Naval Aviation in order to train new pilots to fly the helicopter. |
- JH-7 Fighter Bomber
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Xian Aircraft Industry Company , based in Shaanxi Province, produced the new JH-7 Jianhong-7 supersonic fighter- bombers for the Chinese Navy at the modest rate of two aircraft per month, according to some reports as few as a dozen and probably no more than two dozen] pre-production JH-7s are in service with PLA Naval Aviation, with additional JH-7 production awaiting the availability of a Chinese engine.
Its standard mission is anti-ship, where it carries 2 (up to 4) YJ-8 ASMs under the wing plus two wingtip PL-5B AAMs and a twin 23mm cannon (200 rounds) for self-defense. It can also carry rocket pods or up to 20 250kg free-fall bombs for ground attack mission. it has become the first dedicated maritime attack aircraft for PLA Naval Aviation.
 
| A country that `has lost an Empire and has not yet found a role' was how Dean Acheson famously described Great Britain in 1962. The parallel with modern Russia may not be exact but, nevertheless, encapsulates the problems of a nation perceived as a minor league economy which maintains superpower pretensions despite reduction of the military by some 80 per cent since the Cold War. Further manpower reductions, contraction of industrial capacity, infrastructure and support and cuts in a bureaucratic and top-heavy military staff system are all needed. Transformation of the military into an all-professional force along Anglo-American lines might also be considered. Of course, such drastic measures are easier said than done and it is not surprising that they are proving especially difficult to implement for a Russian military hierarchy that has grown up and thrived in the Soviet system.
The tragic loss of the Kursk was widely interpreted as being a symptom of the parlous state of the Russian Navy. However, a very different message had been an objective of the major Northern Fleet summer exercise, the setting of the incident. The largest Barents Sea manoeuvres for several years were to give expression to the new naval doctrine that had been published on 4 March 2000. Participation by some 30 submarines and surface units was to conclude with the deployment of the Navy's largest surface vessel, the carrier Kuznetsov to the Mediterranean. While it is implicitly acknowledged that competition with the United States on a worldwide basis is fruitless and unaffordable, the new doctrine outlined a number of important maritime tasks that add up to an important and continuing role for the Russian Navy. First, as land-based strategic missiles reach the end of their operational life and are not replaced, the Navy will become responsible for deployment of an increasing proportion of the strategic deterrent. Second Russia, for all the size of its landmass, remains a maritime nation with large areas of interest that include the strategic approaches to the country from east and west, a large exclusive economic zone, reliance on extensive maritime trade and a big merchant fleet. |
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There is a realisation among Russian policy makers of the need to maintain a credible naval capability. Speaking in November 1999 Prime Minister Putin announced that a decree on the modernisation of the fleet was to be drafted and that the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov was to be deployed to the Mediterranean in 2000. This marks a pattern of increasing Russian naval activity that has seen attack submarines operate in the Cold War stamping grounds of the Mediterranean and Eastern Pacific, carrying out simulated attacks on US naval forces. While the SSBN fleet is contracting - perhaps to a force of 25-30 vessels - there is considerable effort in developing the SSN fleet, with the `Akula II' and Severodvinsk classes replacing dated `Victor I' and `II' class submarines. The construction of surface vessels, by contrast, is slow and largely limited to smaller combatants, notably the Neustrashimy class frigate and Sovremenny II destroyer.Overall, it has had to adopt a `survival and denial' strategy, concentrating on maintaining smaller surface combatants and a powerful submarine arm both to protect Russia's waters and deny other powers the seas it cannot itself control. However, decisions such preserving all the type 1144 Ushakov (ex-Kirov) class battle cruisers in service has a number of implications for how Russia envisages the use of sea power in the early 21st century. The extensive investment involved in keeping these warships in service shows that Russia continues to have a commitment to blue water operations involving large missile cruisers. This may indicated that new doctrine will continue to reflect the Soviet era concept of layered defence, keeping enemy naval forces as far away from home waters as possible. |
In the future The Russia Navy should have 12-15 strategic missile submarines (SSBNs), 50 nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) and 35 diesel submarines as well as some 70 ocean-going surface combatants, according to its Commander-in-Chief, Adm Vladimir Kuroyedov.
The admiral said to achieve this goal the service should receive no less than 25% of the defence budget, compared to its present allocation of about 12%.
Today's inventory includes nuclear submarines, an aircraft carrier, cruisers, amphibious ships, strongly armed destroyers and frigates and a range of support and research ships that must be the envy of many countries. While operational readiness may be low for the time being, the Russians could still muster a significant force to act alone or in concert with other nations. The performance of industry can also still be impressive when funds are made available. Three frigates have been built in a relatively short time for the Indian Navy and other activity has included refitting work for Algeria, preparation of ships sold to China and the sale of hovercraft to Greece, the first such to a NATO country. The sum total of all this may not compare favourably with Soviet days but they are indications that, notwithstanding its problems and the condescending tone adopted by much of the Western media, the Russian Navy is still alive and should not be underestimated.
Aircraft Carrier :
- Kuznetsov Class (Project 1143.5) Aircraft Carrier
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The Kuznetsov Class heavy aircraft carrying cruiser, also known as Project 1143.5 or Orel Class, was constructed at Nikolayev South Shipyard on the Black Sea in the Ukraine. The Admiral Kuznetsov, was launched in 1985. A second-of-class vessel, the Varyag, was launched in 1988 but was never commissioned. Admiral Kuznetsov is the only aircraft carrier in the Russian Navy.The Admiral Kuznetsov supports strategic missile carrying submarines, surface ships and maritime missile-carrying aircraft of the Russian fleet.
The ship has the capacity to support 16 Yakovlev Yak-41M (NATO code name Freestyle), twelve Sukhoi Su-27K (NATO codename Flanker) fixed-wing aircraft and a range of helicopters including four Kamov Ka-27-LD (NATO codename Helix), 18 Kamov Ka-27 PLO, and two Ka-27-S. The ship has a Granit anti-ship missile system equipped with twelve surface-to-surface missile launchers. The Klinok air defence missile system, with 24 vertical launchers and 192 missiles, defends the ship against anti-ship missiles, aircraft and surface ships. The ship is equipped with an Udav-1 anti-submarine system with 60 anti-submarine rockets. Udav-1 protects surface ships and submarine by diverting and destroying incoming torpedoes. |
Surface Combatants :
- Kirov Class (Project 1144.2) Heavy Cruiser
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The Kirov Class provides the capability to engage large surface ships and to defend the fleet against air and submarine attack. Four cruisers were built but only Admiral Nakhimov (commissioned in 1988) and Pyotr Velikhiy (commissioned in 1995) remain active.The ship is armed with the Granit (Nato designation SS-N-19 Shipwreck) long-range anti-ship missile system. Twenty Granit missiles are installed under the upper deck, mounted at a 60° elevation.
An S-300F Air Defence Missile Complex is installed on the ship, with twelve launchers and 96 vertical launch air defence missiles. The Osa-MA Air Defence Missile System is supplied by the Znamya Truda Plant based at Saratov. The ship has two double launchers and 40 missiles. The Kirov is fitted with a 130mm AK-130 multipurpose twin-barrel gun. The ship has ten torpedo tubes for 20 Vodopad-NK anti-submarine missiles or torpedoes. The ship has two anti-submarine and anti-torpedo rocket systems, the Udav-1 with 40 anti-submarine rockets and the RBU-1000. The ship accommodates three Kamov Ka-27PL or Ka-25RT helicopters. |
- Slava Class (Project 1164) Cruiser
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The Slava class was designed as a surface strike ship with some anti-air and ASW capability. This smaller contemporary of the Kirov may have been intended as a less-expensive complement to the larger ships. The sixteen SS-N-12 Sandbox anti-ship missiles are mounted in four pairs on either side of the superstructure, giving the ship a distinctive appearance. Many sources credit the Slava with the ability to carry nuclear armed SA-N-6 surface-to-air missiles, and 21-inch nuclear torpedoes, in addition to the SS-N-12. Soviet sources denied that the SA-N-6 missiles on the ship was even nuclear capable. |
- Sovremenny Class (Project 956) Destroyer
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The Sovremenny Class destroyer has a maximum displacement of 8480t and is similar in size to the USA Navy's Aegis-equipped missile cruisers. It is armed with an anti-submarine helicopter, 48 air defence missiles, eight anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, mines, long-range guns and a comprehensive electronic warfare system.
The first-of-class Sovremenny was commissioned in 1985. A total of 18 have been built for the Russian Navy , eleven of which are in service, six are no longer operational and one more (launched in 1994) is awaiting commission.The ship is equipped with the Raduga Moskit anti-ship missile system with two four-cell launchers installed port and starboard of the forward island and set at an angle about 15°. The ship carries a total of eight Moskit 3M80E missiles.Two Shtil surface-to-air missile systems are installed, each on the raised deck behind the two-barrelled 130mm guns. Shtil is the export name of the SA-N-7, NATO reporting name Gadfly |
- Krivak Class ( Project 1135) Destroyer
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Project #1135 Burevestnik [Krivak I] was an entirely new design, initially believed in the West to be designed for offensive surface warfare. In reality, the class was intended primarily as a defensive ASW ship. The Krivak was designed as a less expensive and capable counterpart to the larger Kresta II and Kara classes, with which it originally shared the BPK designation. In the late 1970s the designation changed to SKR (Storozhevoy Koabl') or small antisubmarine ship, a more accurate indication of their actual capabilities. |
- Udaloy Class (Project 1155) Frigate
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Designed primarily as an anti-submarine warfare platform, with a long cruising range and underway replenishment capabilities, Udaloy class ships provide support to surface task forces. Udaloy reflects design changes that addressed the shortcomings of the previous Krivak program; namely the lack of helicopter facilities, limited sonar capabilities, and light air-defenses.
The Udaloy has two helicopter hangars with doors that serve as a ramp to the flight deck. The ship uses a Polinom active/passive search/attack sonar system. The Udaloy’s air-defense system consists of 8 Klinok launchers, and the AK-630 and AK-100 gun mounts. |
- Neustrashimy class ( Project 1154)
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The Neustrashimy class frigate was built at the Yantar Shipbuilding Plant in Kaliningrad, Russia. The first of class ship, the Neustrashimy was commissioned in 1993. Two more ships have been launched – Yaraslavl Mudry, in 1991 and Tuman in 1993. The ship is armed with the Uran anti-ship missile system with two eight-cell launchers (16 missiles). The Uran system launches the Kh-35 cruise missile.The Neustrashimy is equipped with the Klinok air defence missile system. Four vertical launch modules, each with eight missiles, are mounted just behind the 100mm gun. The Klinok 9M330 missile (NATO designation SA-N-9 Gauntlet).
The ship is fitted with the Kashtan (NATO designation SA-N-11 Grisson) air defence gun/missile system, comprising one command system with two combat modules (64 missiles and 600 rounds) mounted either side of the satellite communications dome.The ship has a helicopter landing deck and a hangar which accommodates a single Kamov Ka-27 (NATO codename Helix) helicopter. |
- Project 1239 Sivuch Bora Class Corvette
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The Project 1239 Sivuch small missile air cushion ship is primary intended for coast defense operations. These very large surface-effect ship corvettes have proven mechanically unreliable. Completion of these units was much-delayed and they probably are not effective combat units. Two ships in service now - for future series intended for Black Sea/Baltic Fleets of Russian Federation. |
- Project 1234 Nanuchka Class Corvette
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This heavily armed Small Missile Ship [Malyy Raketnyy Korabl' MRK] feature more gun and anti-air defense capabilities compared to previous Soviet missile ships. The remarkable amount of fire power and electronics mounted on such a small platform apparently was purchased at the price of poor sea-keeping characteristics. All Nanuchka I class ships are being scrapped, though it is difficult to establish how many remain operational, and in particular which units remain in service |
- Project 1124 Albatros Grisha Class Corvette
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The Grisha class antisubmarine ship is designed to search for and destroy enemy submarines found in coastal areas. It has a limited sea-going capability.As with most other classes consisting of large numbers of small units, the identity and status of most individual units of the Grisha class is poorly attested. The correlation between construction sequence and current status and the names and numbers of most listed units is largely conjectural. |
- Project 1241.2 Pauk Corvette
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The Pauk class Small Antisubmarine Ship (Malyy Protivolodochnyy Korabl' MPK) is designed to search for and destroy enemy submarines in coastal areas. The ship’s hull is made from steel and its superstructure is made from light alloy. The Pauk has a limited sea-going capability, and is not an all weather vessel. |
Submarines :
- Typhoon Class (Type 941) SSBN
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The Typhoon ballistic missile nuclear-powered (SSBN) submarines are the largest submarines ever to be built. The first of the six members of the class to be commissioned was TK 208 in 1981. The submarines are stationed with the Russian Northern Fleet at Litsa Guba. Russia has begun scrapping its Typhoon submarines, assisted by the United States, through the Co-operative Threat Reduction Program. The Typhoon class submarine is of multi-hulled design – five inner hulls are situated inside a superstructure of the two parallel main hulls.
Maximum diving depth is 400m. Speed is 12 knots when surfaced and 25 knots when submerged. Typhoon is capable of spending 120 days at sea. The submarine carries 20 RSM-52 intercontinental, three-stage solid propellant ballistic missiles. It has the NATO designation of SS-N-20 Sturgeon.Typhoon has four 630mm torpedo tubes and two 533mm torpedo tubes with a total of 22 anti-submarine missiles and torpedoes of varying types. |
- Delta Class IV (Project 667.BDRM) SSBN
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The Russian Navy operates seven Delta IV class strategic missile submarines. The submarines operate in the Northern Fleet and are based at the Saida Guba Naval Base.
The submarines were built at the Severodvinsk Shipyard from 1981 to 1992. The first of class, K51, was commissioned in December 1985. In Russia, they are referred to as the Delfin or Dolphin class Project 667 submarines. The submarine design is similar to that of Delta III (Project 667 BDR). The submarine constitutes a double-hulled configuration with missile silos housed in the inner hull. The Delta IV submarines are strategic nuclear missile submarines designed to carry out strikes on military and industrial installations and naval bases. The submarine carries the RSM-54 Makeyev missile (NATO designation: SS-N-23 Skiff) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The submarine is also capable of launching the Novator SS-N-15 Starfish anti-ship missile or Mk 40 anti-ship torpedoes. |
- Delta Class III (Project 667.BDR) SSBN
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The development of the 667BDR Delta III ballistic missile submarine began in 1972 at the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering. This strategic submarine is equipped with the D-9R launch system and 16 R-29R missiles, and is the first submarine that can fire any number of missiles in a single salvo.
The Delta III is equipped with the "Almaz -BDR" battle management system ensuring firing of deep-water torpedos. The inertial navigational system "Tobol-BD" is of the Delta II was replaced with the "Tobol-M-1" system, and subsequently with the "Tobol-M-2". The Delta III is also equipped with the "Bumblebee" hydroacoustic navigational system to determinate its position through hydroacoustic buoys. Instead of the hydroacoustic system "Kerch" was used on the 667BD submarines, the Delta III uses the new "Rubikon" hydro-acoustic system.The advanced Delta III SSBN entered service in 1976, and by 1982 a total of fourteen submarines were commissioned. All of them were build at Severodvinsk. The operational lifetime of these submarines is estimated to be 20-25 years. |
- Oscar II Class ( Project 949.A) SSGN
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As a cruise missile submarine, the Oscar was designed primarily to attack NATO aircraft carrier battle groups. To cope with its resource problems, the Russian Navy, in the early 1990s, made an effort at preserving its core submarine force capabilities. The Russian Navy continued to invest in new construction. In the late 1990s, it completed several new submarines of the third-generation Oscar II. A dozen of the larger Oscar II submarines were built between 1985 and 1999 at the Sevmash yard in Severodvinsk. Two have been decommissioned and one, the Kursk, sank. Five Oscar II submarines are active with the Northern Fleet and four with the Pacific Fleet.
The submarine is equipped with 24 SS-N-19 Granit (NATO codename "Shipwreck") cruise missiles with a range of 550km. Under the START treaty, nuclear warheads for these missiles have been replaced with high explosive warheads. The missiles, which are launched while the submarine is submerged, are fired from tubes fixed at an angle of approximately 40°. The torpedo tubes fire both torpedoes and shorter range anti-ship missiles, and a combination of some two dozen weapons are carried. The SS-N-16 wake-homing torpedo has a range of 50km and speed of 50 knots and is powered by a liquid fuel turbojet engine. On the 12th August 2000, the Oscar II nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine, Kursk (K 141) sank in the Barents Sea, with the loss of all 118 crew. |
- Akula Class (Bars Type 971) SSN
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The Russian Navy has 14 Bars class Project 971 submarines known in the West as the Akula class nuclear powered submarines (SSN). A number of Russian Akula class submarines are deployed in the Pacific region. The Akula class carry up to twelve Granat submarine launched cruise missiles. The missiles are fired from the 533mm torpedo launch tubes. Granat (NATO designation: SS-N-21 Sampson) has a range of about 3,000km and delivers a 200kt warhead.
The submarine's anti-ship missiles are the Novator SS-N-15 Starfish and the Novator SS-N-16 Stallion. An air defence capability is provided by a Strela SA-N-5/8 portable missile launcher with 18 missiles. The submarine has eight torpedo launch tubes, four 650mm and four 533mm tubes. The Improved Akula and Akula II have ten, with six 533mm tubes. |
- Kilo Class (Type 877EKM) SSK
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The Russian Kilo Class submarine first entered service in the early 1980's . Subsequent developments have led to the current production versions, the Type 877EKM and most recently, Type 636. The submarines are constructed at the Admiralty Shipyard in St Petersburg. 24 Kilo Class submarines are in service in the Russian Navy (most of the older designs).The Type 877EKM is designed for anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface ship (ASuW) warfare. Type 877EKM has a displacement of 2,300t when surfaced and 3,950t submerged. Maximum diving depth is 300m.
The Type 877EKM has six 533mm torpedo tubes and carries 18 heavyweight torpedoes. The submarine has a launcher for eight Strela-3 or Igla surface-to-air missiles. |
Amphibious Ships :
- Project 775 Ropucha Class
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The Project 775 Ropucha Large Landing Ship (Bol'shoy Desatnyy Korabl' BDK) is a beachable, general-purpose LST-type design with bow and stern ramps for unloading vehicles. A slightly smaller successor to the Alligator class, they were all built in Poland three distinct production runs. The last three units were an improved version with some variations in detail. Many have been retired, and remaining units may be in reserve, given the Russian Navy's decreased emphasis on amphibious operations. |
- Project 1174 Ivan Rogov Class
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The Project 1174 Large Landing Ship was built by the Yantar Shipbuilding Plant at Kalingrad. Three ships were built, the Ivan Rogov, the Aleksandr Nikolaev and the Mitrofan Moskalenko. Only the Mitrofan Moskalenko is still in service with the Russian Navy. The ship provides sealift and landing of troops and equipment. Military materiel is landed via a bow ramp and also via assault boats through the doors of the flooded well.
The ship has the capacity for the military lift of one battalion of 520 marines and 25 tanks. If no landing craft are carried then the additional space in the docking bay allows a total of 53 tanks or 80 armoured personnel carriers to be transported.The OSA-M (NATO codename Gecko) air defence missile system. supplied by the Znamya Truda Plant in Moscow, provides defence against anti-ship missiles, aircraft and surface targets. The ship carries 20 missiles.The ship is equipped with two close-range, portable, Strela-3M air defence missile systems, each system having a quadruple launcher.The Project 114 ship accommodates four helicopters. |
AIRCRAFT :
- KA-27/28/29
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The Ka-27 and Ka-28 are naval anti-submarine helicopters and the Ka-29 is a naval combat and transport helicopter, designed and manufactured by the Kamov Design Bureau in Russia. The helicopters are known in the West by the Nato reporting name Helix. Over 60 Ka-27/28s and 15 Ka-29s are in service with Russia. The mission of the helicopters is to detect, track and destroy submerged submarines at a depth of 500m and running at speeds up to 75kph at any time of year and in all weather conditions. The Ka-28 has both day and night operations capability.
The Ka-29 is the naval combat and transport helicopter version of the Ka-27. The mission of the helicopter is to land navy and infantry units with armament from combatant ships, ensure fire support for seaborne assault troops, ferry personnel and cargo from ship bases, and supply vessels to combatant ships. |
- MiG-29K FULCRUM
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The MiG-29K was initiated in 1984 as a Russian Air Force development program for a multi-role fighter, and in 1989 - 1991 the MiG-29K underwent tests aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying cruiser. The MiG-29K differed from the MiG-29 production model, featuring a new multi-function radar, dubbed Zhuk; a cabin with monochrome display and use of the HOTAS (hands-on-throttle-and-stick) principle; the RVV-AE air-to-air active homing missiles; antiship and antiradar missiles; as well as air-to-ground precision-guided weapons.
The MiG-29K program was revived in response to the decision of the Indian Navy to acquire the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier. The MiG-29K has a Phazatron Zhuk-M (N-010) pulse Doppler radar, which has a planar slotted antenna array which is capable of acquiring 32 sq. ft. radar cross section airborne targets at a range of 50 miles. Due to an integrated weapon selection panel, the MiG-29K can use a wide range of weapons, which includes no less than eight types of air-to-air missiles and 25 air-to-surface weapons. The weapon selection system enables the pilot to fire more than one type of weapon per attack. The aircraft is armed with an internal 30mm GSh-301 gun, with 150 rounds. |
- SU-33
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Su-33 (Su-27K) is a carrier-based variant that first flew in May 1985, and entered service in the Russian Navy in 1994. The air regiment comprising 24 fighters of the type was formed up on Russia's only operating aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov. It has extra small wings near the pilots cabin which shorten the take-off distance and improve manoeuvrability.
The Su-33 can also carry guided missiles such as the H-25MP, H-31 and H-41. The Su-33 is used in both night and day operations at sea, and operate with the command center ship and with the Ka-31 early-warning helicopter. With the R-27EM missiles it can intercept antiship missiles. | |
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