Russian Defense ministry to buy 45 Marlin-350 unmanned underwater craft.

The Russian Defense Ministry plans to procure 45 unmanned underwater craft Marlin-350 by the end of the year worth 604 million rubles. A corresponding document is posted on state procurement website. "The Russian Defense Ministry announces a closed auction to procure remotely-operated Marlin-350 unmanned underwater craft," it said.

Marlin-350 unmanned underwater craft (Picture source: Russian Military Forum)

The Russian Defense Ministry plans to procure 45 unmanned underwater craft Marlin-350 by the end of the year worth 604 million rubles. A corresponding document is posted on state procurement website. "The Russian Defense Ministry announces a closed auction to procure remotely-operated Marlin-350 unmanned underwater craft," it said.

The initial (maximum) price of the contract exceeds 603.7 million rubles. The purchase is split into three parts. Two sets of 16 and 15 craft are to be procured in 2019. One craft in the first set will cost over 12.7 million rubles (over 204.6 million for the set). One Marlin-350 of the second set will cost 13.4 million rubles (201.6 million for 15 craft). 14 craft worth 14.1 million rubles each (197.4 million for the set) are to be procured in 2020.

The first batch has to be supplied by March 31, 2019 and the second one - by November 10, 2019. The third is to be delivered not later than November 10, 2020. The winner will be chosen on August 16.

Remotely-controlled Marlin-350 unmanned underwater craft was designed by Tetis pro Company for underwater search-and-rescue operations in coastal and internal waters at depths of up to 350 meters. The Russian armed forces accepted the craft into service in 2015.