Russia announces the Delivery to Russian Navy of 30 New Ships This Year.

On July 31, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Russia is gearing up to strengthen its naval forces by acquiring 30 brand new ships this year, as stated by President Vladimir Putin during the naval parade held in honor of Russian Navy Day.
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Steregushchiy-class corvette Mercury (Picture source: Tass )

President Putin revealed that the Russian Navy will be welcoming 30 ships of various classes, including the noteworthy corvette, "Mercury," making a significant addition to the fleet.

The construction of the corvette took place at the Severnaya Verf shipyard in St. Petersburg, with the keel laid on February 20, 2015, under the name "Retivy." After several years of work, "Mercury" was launched into the waters on March 12, 2020, and officially acquired by the Russian Navy on May 11, 2023. The commissioning ceremony took place on May 13, 2023, with high-ranking naval officials and dignitaries in attendance to witness the vessel's integration into the Baltic Fleet.

With a displacement of 1,800 tons in standard configuration and 2,200 tons at full load, the vessel measures 104.5 meters (343 feet) in length and has a beam of 13 meters (43 feet) (11.6 meters or 38 feet at the waterline) and a draught of 3.7 meters (12 feet).

The corvette's propulsion system consists of a 2-shaft CODAD (Combined Diesel and Diesel) configuration powered by four Kolomna 16D49 diesel engines, generating power of 23,664 horsepower (17.6 MW), propelling the ship at a maximum speed of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph). The vessel's operational range spans 3,800 nautical miles (7,000 kilometers; 4,400 miles) at a speed of 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph), providing an endurance of up to 15 days at sea.

Equipped with advanced detection and processing systems, the "Mercury" corvette employs the Furke 2 air search radar, the Granit Central Scientific Institute Garpun-B/3Ts-25E/PLANK SHAVE surface search radar, and a Monument targeting radar. Additionally, the vessel is fitted with a Zarya-M suite for its sonar capabilities, including the Vinyetka towed array for active/passive low-frequency operations. Navigation is enhanced with the Gorizont-25 integrated navigation system.

The corvette's armament includes a 100mm A-190 Arsenal or 130mm A-192 naval gun. For close-in defense, the vessel is equipped with a Kashtan CIWS-M system (Project 20380), two sets of 4 Kh-35 anti-ship missiles (SS-N-25), and a total of 12 Redut VLS (Vertical Launch System) cells (Project 20381). Complementing its defense capabilities are two AK-630M CIWS systems and two sets of 4 330mm torpedo tubes for Paket-NK anti-torpedo/anti-submarine torpedoes (Paket-NK/E for export). Additionally, the Corvette features two 14.5mm MTPU pedestal machine guns for added protection.

The "Mercury" corvette also boasts a hangar for the Ka-27 helicopter and a launch pad for the Orlan-10 UAV, enabling reconnaissance and aerial support capabilities during missions.

The naval parade featured a grand procession of 45 ships, submarines, and other watercraft participating in the maritime showcase, while a contingent of approximately 3,000 soldiers marched on land.

It is worth questioning where these new ships will be deployed in the future, as Russia's vast fleet faces challenges accessing the Black Sea due to Turkey's closure of the Bosphorus Strait. Should these ships be deployed in the Black Sea, it could significantly impact the Ukraine conflict.