Russian Navy: Severodvinsk (Yasen Class SSN), Alexander Nevsky (Borei Class SSBN) entering service

Two Russian submarines are entering service just in time for the Russian Navy Day, which falls on July 27 this year: a Yasen class nuclear attack submarine Severodvinsk and a Borei class ballistic missile submarine Alexander Nevsky.

Yasen Class SSN - Severodvinsk ( Image Courtesy - en.ria.ru ) 

Construction of the Severodvinsk began in 1993, but its completion was significantly delayed and submarine was finally launched in 2010. The submarine, whose rivals are the US Navy’s Seawolf class and Virginia class submarines, is equipped with the Russian equivalent of the US Tomahawk missile, which can carry a nuclear warhead and has a firing range of up to 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles).The Yasen-class submarine also has additional missiles that can be used for high-precision strikes against ground targets.

Borei Class SSBN - Alexander Nevsky ( Image Courtesy - en.ria.ru ) 

The Borei class Alexander Nevsky submarine began trials in October 2010. It was involved in test-firing Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, which all Borei class submarines are equipped with. Alexander Nevsky is the first series-built submarine of the Borei class. Two additional Borei class submarines and two Yasen class submarines are currently under construction. In total, Russia plans to build 8 Borei-class submarines and 8 Yasen-class submarines by 2020.

Russia has been stepping up the development of its navy since Crimea became part of the Russian Federation in March. In addition to the Russian naval base in the Crimean city of Sevastopol, Russia is developing a port in the country’s southern city of Novorossiysk, so that part of Russian’s Black Sea Fleet vessels and troops could be deployed there.

By 2017, six Admiral Grigorovich class frigates and six improved Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines will join the Black Sea Fleet.

News Courtesy - en.ria.ru

Indian Navy - Rambilli Naval Base

Naval Alternative Operations Base (NAOB) project of the Indian Navy at Rambilli in the district will be completed in the next five to six years as land acquisition is almost over and project work has already begun, a top Indian Navy official said here on Friday.

According to sources, the state government has allocated more than 5,000 acres to the Indian Navy at Rambilli mandal in the district and except for a few local problems, the project work has been proceeding at a fast pace.

The senior naval official also revealed that the proposed Very Low Frequency (VLF) Communications station project in Ranga Reddy district needs an initial investment of Rs 1,000 crore.

Site for Rambilli Naval Base ( Image Courtesy - thehindu.com) 

"The Navy has already got the first phase of clearances from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for the VLF station. For the next phase of clearances from MoEF, the Navy needs a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Telangana government, which is expected soon," said the top official, adding that the Navy opted for Ranga Reddy district as it is a strategic location for the VLF station.

"Navy needs a huge chunk of land as the antennas are very big in size. With this VLF station, the Indian Navy can communicate with vessels and men even underwater," he added.

Meanwhile, sources said the Navy was not ready to move out of the existing Visakhapatnam airport, which is under their control. "The Navy will not move out of the INS Dega airstrip because it is a strategic location. However, the Navy will not oppose any development works at the airport by the aviation ministry. It will develop its own airstrips at various places like Badangi near Bobbili in Vizianagaram district but will continue to hold onto INS Dega," a source said.

News Courtesy - timesofindia.indiatimes.com