Russia Launches New Submarine Salvage Vessel

One of the interesting aspects of observing defense procurement is observing what is purchased when a weakness is identified, and becomes a public issue. In the US, one could look to the MRAP as the IED solution and see how that mess has unfolded. Is the MRAP needed? Yes. Do we need 20,000 MRAPs? Probably, most likely, not.

Today Russia launched their own 'answer' to its recent public humiliations, specifically the Russians have launched a vessel to deal with many of the embarrassing moments the Navy has had to deal with over the past 8 or so years. Whether it is the Kursk incident or the mini-submarine incident, the Russian Navy has had several embarrassing incidents over the past decade that have not gone over well in the public. What is the Russian solution? Observe the Zvezdochka, a 5000 ton multi-purpose salvage vessel.

The Zvezdochka shipyard in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, says that its newly constructed vessel the “Zvezdochka” will be able to ship offshore technology, military equipment and engage in tugging and lifting operations.
According to the Zvezdochka plant, the 5000 ton multipurpose vessel, built for the Russian Navy, will be able to ship mines, torpedoes and missiles, as well as to help lift sunken vessels, among them submarines.

The ship will also be engaged in the shipping of various heavy technology components and containers, and research and testing equipment. The vessel will also be able to assist in emergency situations and rescue operations, as well as function as tug ship, vdvsn.ru reports.

According to Itar-Tass, the “Zvezdochka” ship will be able to operate under all conditions. On board will be several specialized smaller vessels, among them an unmanned mini-sub and speed boats.

The construction of the vessel was started on 3rd September 2004, on the very 50-years anniversary of the shipyard, which is the reason for the name choice.

Might seem like a small thing, but when your the aging Northern Fleet trying to pick yourself off the floor, it isn't. It did not go over well with the Russian public that the British had to be called to rescue those sailors on the mini-submarine. While the English article doesn't detail, the Russian articles claim the Zvezdochka to be the most sophisticated submarine salvage vessel built in Russia. Considering the recent history of Russian submarines, that is a good thing.

For a Russian Navy taking its first big steps in years, it is all about the little things, for example, it isn't an accident the worlds largest fleet tug is on deployment with the Admiral Kuznetsov. Too often we take safety for granted when observing submarines from the outside looking in, the Russians have learned the hard way that approach can be costly.