Russia Lays Keel for 2 Each Submarines, Helicopter Carriers, Frigates

Russian shipbuilders on Monday laid the keel for two each of submarines, helicopter carriers and frigates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the ceremony held at Zaliv Shipyard in Kerch for two helicopter carriers named Ivan Rogov and Mitrofan Moskalenko.

“Today, the keel-laying of six new warships was held at three leading shipyards in Russia simultaneously.  The new ships will have advanced weapons, controls and communication systems. I would like to note that the Navy has received over 200 ships, motor boats and vessels of various classes over the past eight years,” Putin said after the ceremony.

Keel for two Yasen-M nuclear powered submarines, christened Voronezh and Vladivostok, were laid down at Sevmash Production Association JSC. “These boats will be armed with hypersonic weapons,” Sevmash CEO Mikhail Budnichenko said.

On July 16, Sevmash Shipyard floated out Prince Oleg Borei-A submarine.

Other Russian vessels that will be equipped with hypersonic weapons are Admiral Spiridonov and Admiral Yumashev frigates. Keel for these warships were also laid on July 20, at Severnaya Verf at St.Petersburg. “These ships will be provided with increased weapons, including hypersonic ones,” Denis Manturov, Minister of Trade and Industry, said during the ceremony.