This Week in Contracts: December 15-21, 2014

35th Shipyard/35 Sudoremontnyy Zavod (Murmansk)

• Number: 31401822851
• Contractor: Alfa-M Scientific Technical Center (Ramenskoye)
• Description: Delivery of optical helicopter landing system for Udaloy II destroyer "Admiral Chabanenko"
• Time frame: June 2016
• Contract value: RUB 68,344,169

• Number: 31401823181
• Contractor: Vektor Scientific-Technical Institute (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of MN-757 (modification of MG-757.3) and MGS-417K sonar systems for Udaloy II destroyer "Admiral Chabanenko"
• Time frame: September 2015
• Contract value: RUB 41,355,545

• Number: 31401834208
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of 20NKBN-25-UZ battery cells for Udaloy II destroyer "Admiral Chabanenko"
• Time frame: within 90 days
• Contract value: RUB 2,140,000

• Number: 31401834215
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of VPEhN-100-20-OM5 (x1) and VPEhN-50-20-OM5 pumps (x6) for Udaloy II destroyer "Admiral Chabanenko"
• Time frame: within 90 days of payment
• Contract value: RUB 4,000,000

• Number: 31401834219
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of EhTsN 15-100B OM5 feed pumps (x2) and 1EhTsNU 160-40 OM5 circulation pumps (x2) for Udaloy II destroyer "Admiral Chabanenko"
• Time frame: within 120 days
• Contract value: RUB 3,300,000

• Number: 31401834248
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of TShMS transformers (x29) for Udaloy II destroyer "Admiral Chabanenko"
• Time frame: within 90 days after payment
• Contract value: RUB 1,570,000

• Number: 31401834201
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of 5NK-55P battery cells (x42) for Udaloy II destroyer "Admiral Chabanenko"
• Time frame: within 45 days after payment
• Contract value: RUB 260,000

51st Central Technology and Design Institute of Ship Repairs (Lomonosov)

• Number: 31401836682
• Contractor: 171st Independent Technology Design Bureau (Murmansk)
• Description: Development of working design documentation for modernization work on Vishnya intelligence collection ship "Kareliya"
• Time frame: December 2014 - May 2015
• Contract value: RUB 11,000,000

Admiralty Shipyards/Admiralteyskiye Verfi (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401835190
• Contractor: Askold (Arsenyev)
• Description: Delivery of various valves (x25) for Petersburg submarine
• Time frame: 1Q2015
• Contract value: not specified

Akhtuba Production Firm (Volgograd)

• Number: 31401820202
• Contractor: RadioTekhKomplekt (Moscow)
• Description: Delivery of semi-conductor components for Kizhuch sonar system on Project 09852 submarine "Belgorod"
• Time frame: no later than March 2015
• Contract value: RUB 2,500,000

• Number: 31401820206
• Contractor: RadioTekhKomplekt (Moscow)
• Description: Delivery of semi-conductor components for MGS-30 emergency sonar signaling system on Kilo (636.3) submarine
• Time frame: no later than February 28, 2015
• Contract value: RUB 1,250,000

• Number: 31401820212
• Contractor: RadioTekhKomplekt (Moscow)
• Description: Delivery of semi-conductor components for MG-65 emergency underwater communications system on Kilo (636.3) submarine
• Time frame: no later than February 28, 2015
• Contract value: RUB 850,000

Amur Shipyard/Amurskiy Sudostroitelnyy Zavod (Komsomolsk-na-Amure)

• Number: 31401815122
• Contractor: Specialized Scientific Research Institute for Instrument Manufacturing (Moscow)
• Description: Deinstallation and inspection of KMK-1 multipurpose monitoring system components for use in spare parts kit for Akula I submarine "INS Chakra"
• Time frame: December 2014
• Contract value: RUB 7,935,790

• Number: 31401815166
• Contractor: Radar MMS Scientific Production Enterprise (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of Syuzhet-KM hydrometeorological support system for Steregushchiy frigate "Sovershennyy"
• Time frame: December 2014
• Contract value: RUB 3,653,680

• Number: 31401821830
• Contractor: Ametist Design Bureau (Moscow)
• Description: Delivery of A-20380 system for Steregushchiy frigate "Gromkiy"
• Time frame: December 2014
• Contract value: RUB 63,740,980

• Number: 31401821932
• Contractor: Radar Operational Repair Warranty Center (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Calibration of 6701-3 device on Kilo submarine "B-187"
• Time frame: December 2014
• Contract value: RUB 5,414,057

• Number: 31401834641
• Contractor: Kaluga Turbine Factory (Kaluga)
• Description: Technical assistance in servicing Sapfir-I device on Akula I submarine "INS Chakra"
• Time frame: December 2014 - January 2015
• Contract value: RUB 50,363

• Number: 31401841441
• Contractor: Gorizont (Rostov-na-Donu)
• Description: Delivery of NRLS-231 (x1) and NRLS 231-3 (x1) navigation radars for Steregushchiy frigate "Gromkiy"
• Time frame: December 2014
• Contract value: RUB 28,074,138

• Number: 31401841972
• Contractor: Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation (Korolev)
• Description: Installation and testing of LI-2 device [related to SS-N-25/Switchblade] on Steregushchiy frigate "Sovershennyy"
• Time frame: December 2014
• Contract value: RUB 7,768,007

• Number: 31401848551
• Contractor: Shipboard Electro-Technical System Scientific Production Center (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Restoration of water-tight integrity of MGK-400EhM-03 sonar system capsule on Akula I submarine "INS Chakra"
• Time frame: not specified
• Contract value: RUB 428,176

• Number: 31401848564
• Contractor: TeploPribor (Ryazan)
• Description: Delivery of AD-2R acoustic sensor for Akula I submarine "INS Chakra"
• Time frame: December 2014 - January 2015
• Contract value: RUB 269,890

Astrakhan Shipyard/Astrakhanskiy Sudoremontnyy Zavod (Astrakhan)

• Number: 31401825931
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Preparing Project 22870 salvage and rescue ship "Professor Nikolay Muru" for pier-side and at-sea testing
• Time frame: before December 31, 2014
• Contract value: not specified

Kronshtadt Marine Shipyard/Kronshtadtskiy Morskoy Zavod (Kronshtadt)

• Number: 31401847155
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of VSEh-300-205-320 water heaters (x4) for Kilo submarine "Dmitrov"
• Time frame: within 30 working days
• Contract value: not specified

• Number: 31401847341
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of compensators (x6) for Kilo submarine "Dmitrov"
• Time frame: within 30 working days
• Contract value: not specified

Malakhit St. Petersburg Marine Bureau of Machine-Building (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401845749
• Contractor: Scientific Production Association of Machine-Building/Military Industrial Corporation (Reutov)
• Description: Development of baseline data of 3M-55 [SS-N-26] equipment to create schematics for in-port loading/offloading
• Time frame: December 25, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 1,000,000

• Number: 31401845953
• Contractor: Novator Exprimental Design Bureau (Yekaterinburg)
• Description: Development of baseline data of 3K-14 [SS-N-30A] equipment to create schematics for in-port loading/offloading
• Time frame: December 25, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 1,000,000

Middle Neva Shipyard/Sredne-Nevskiy Sudostroitelnyy Zavod (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401838428
• Contractor: Energiya Factory (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Installation and testing of SKM-12700 shipboard monitoring system on Obukhov minesweeper "Aleksandr Obukhov"
• Time frame: January 2015 - August 2015
• Contract value: RUB 1,433,898

• Number: 31401838708
• Contractor: Meridian Scientific Production Firm (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Installation and testing of APK-21M system on Obukhov minesweeper "Aleksandr Obukhov"
• Time frame: May 2015 - November 2015
• Contract value: RUB 1,102,946

Nerpa Shipyard/Sudoremontnyy Zavod Nerpa (Snezhnogorsk)

• Number: 31401836261
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Repairs of wardroom and staterooms on Sierra II submarine "Pskov"
• Time frame: before December 31, 2014
• Contract value: not specified

Northern Machine-Building Enterprise/Severnoye Mashinostroitelnoye Predpriyatiye [SevMash] (Severodvinsk)

• Number: 31401842695
• Contractor: Red October Volgograd Metallurgy Combine (Volgograd)
• Description: Delivery of air tanks (x18) for Project 09852 submarine "Belgorod"
• Time frame: March 2015
• Contract value: RUB 23,045,400

• Number: 31401848961
• Contractor: Machine-Builder Perm Factory (Perm)
• Description: Delivery of 2P39 (x4) and spare parts kit for Project 09852 submarine "Belgorod"
• Time frame: 1Q2016
• Contract value: RUB 708,240,178

Northern Shipyard/Severnaya Verf (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401827999
• Contractor: Specialized Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Manufacturing (Moscow)
• Description: Delivery of IUS MN multipurpose data management system for Steregushchiy II frigate "Gremyashchiy"
• Time frame: July 2015
• Contract value: RUB 81,317,799

• Number: 31401828732
• Contractor: Gorozont-Radio-Servis (Rostov-na-Donu)
• Description: Delivery of MR-231 and MR-231-3 radar systems for Ivanov intelligence collection ship "Ivan Khurs"
• Time frame: January 2016 - November 2016
• Contract value: RUB 10,570,676

• Number: 31401828880
• Contractor: Saturn Scientific Production Association (Rybinsk)
• Description: Troubleshooting DA91P1 gas-turbine engine on Gorshkov frigate "Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Gorshkov"
• Time frame: within 10 days of contract signing but before December 31, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 24,000,000

• Number: 31401841945
• Contractor: Peterskan (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Assembly-welding work (1,109 man-hours) on Steregushchiy II frigate "Gremyashchiy"
• Time frame: upon contract signing - December 31, 2015
• Contract value: RUB 1,303,849

• Number: 31401842253
• Contractor: Pella-Fiord (Otradnoye)
• Description: Delivery and installation of fiberglass section of bow sonar bulb on Steregushchiy II frigate "Provornyy"
• Time frame: December 2014 - 4Q2015
• Contract value: RUB 58,792,923

Vympel Shipyard/Sudostroitelnyy Zavod Vympel (Rybinsk)

• Number: 31401829354
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Additional manpower for Vympel Shipyard construction projects
• Time frame: not specified
• Contract value: RUB 20,000,000

• Number: 31401829439
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Additional manpower for Vympel Shipyard construction projects
• Time frame: not specified
• Contract value: RUB 5,000,000

• Number: 31401829779
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Additional manpower for Vympel Shipyard construction projects
• Time frame: not specified
• Contract value: RUB 5,000,000

• Number: 31401838117
• Contractor: Tetis Pro (Moscow)
• Description: Installation of Edge Tech 4200 side-looking sonar
• Time frame: not specified
• Contract value: RUB 771,318

Yantar Baltic Shipyard/Pribaltiyskiy Sudostroitelnyy Zavod Yantar (Kaliningrad)

• Number: 31401817269
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of bow ramp lift drives (x2) and inter-deck ramp lift drives (x2) for Gren landing ship "Petr Morgunov"
• Time frame: April 2016
• Contract value: RUB 4,422,190

• Number: 31401818577
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of conditioner for Gren landing ship "Petr Morgunov"
• Time frame: December 2015
• Contract value: RUB 69,773,754

• Number: 31401819020
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of water heater for Gren landing ship "Petr Morgunov"
• Time frame: 4Q2015
• Contract value: RUB 799,860

• Number: 31401853941
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of LG-120-1 and LG-120-2 winches for Gren landing ship "Petr Morgunov"
• Time frame: not specified
• Contract value: RUB 11,484,264

Zvezda Far East Shipyard/Dalnyevostochnyy Zavod Zvezda (Bolshoy Kamen)

• Number: 31401843485
• Contractor: Pelorus (Nakhodka)
• Description: Repairs of floating dry dock "Pallada"
• Time frame: September 17, 2014 - December 15, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 15,652,469

Severodvinsk SSGN: How Many and When?

Severodvinsk nuclear-powered submarine "Severodvinsk" (November 9, 2014)
[credit: TASS]

It is quite frequently reported that Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (SevMash) will build either seven or eight Severodvinsk-class nuclear-powered multipurpose submarines - Project 885 and 885M - by 2020. In November 2012, ITAR-TASS reported that "SevMash will build seven Project 885 and 885M Yasen fourth-generation nuclear-powered strike submarines by 2021..." A year ago, an unnamed "defense industry source" told RIA Novosti that "the Russian Navy plans to receive no less than eight submarines of this type by 2020." And in April of this year, ITAR-TASS changed its 2012 forecast and reported that "SevMash shall build eight Yasen and Yasen-M nuclear-powered submarines by 2020."

Are these numbers and timelines real?

Construction of the first (and only) Project 885 hull, "Severodvinsk", took 20 years from keel-laying to delivery. During that time, requirements were changed and new design specifications were implemented. The second unit, "Kazan", was laid down in July 2009 and is being built under the improved Project 885M design. Initial reporting indicated "Kazan" would be delivered in 2014. The delivery date, however, began slipping into 2015, 2016, and now 2017. A 2017 delivery would equate to eight years since the hull was laid - a lot better than 20 years.

After reviewing equipment delivery schedules, the actual timelines for only seven units looks something like this:

HULL	NAME	LAID	LAUNCHED	DELIVERED
160	Severodvinsk	Dec 1993	Jun 2010	Dec 2013
161	Kazan	Jul 2009	(2016)	4Q2017
162	Novosibirsk	Jul 2013		(2019)
163	Krasnoyarsk	Jul 2014		(2019)
164		(2015)		(2020)
165		(2015)		(2021)
166		(2015)		(2022)

Unless SevMash production and contractor-supplied equipment deliveries can be sped up, delivering more than five submarines by the end of 2020 appears improbable.

Russian Pacific Fleet Submarine Force: It Could Be Worse

Oscar II submarine "Omsk" returns to Rybachiy Submarine Base
(credit: RF Ministry of Defense)

The Western Military District issued a gushing press release today in which it reported that the Russian Navy Northern Fleet (no longer part of the Western Military District as of December 1, 2014) had won 13 of the 24 Russian Navy CINC trophies awarded this year. Singled out in the press release were three submarine commanding officers: Captain 1st Rank Dmitriy Ivanov (Sierra II-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine "Nizhniy Novgorod"), Captain 2nd Rank Denis Semyanskikh (Delta IV-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine "Yekaterinburg" - his crew was on "Tula" for the May 2014 launch of a single SS-N-23/Skiff ballistic missile), and Captain 2nd Rank Sergey Pirozhenko (Kilo-class diesel submarine "Kaluga").

One might think that the Pacific Fleet, which hosted this year's operational-strategic exercise VOSTOK, would have surpassed all other fleets or at least tied for first place. When your fleet's in poor shape, however, it's hard to win many.

Looking at just the Pacific Fleet's operational nuclear submarine force, there are only two Delta III-class ballistic missile submarines and two Oscar II-class cruise missile submarines capable of performing their wartime missions. The fleet has no operational Akula I-class fast-attack submarines. So, where are the rest?

• Delta III: Both "Podolsk" and "Svyatoy Georgiy Pobedonosets" turned 35 years old this year. These two have served well past their design service lives because Dolgorukiy-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines "Aleksandr Nevskiy" and "Vladimir Monomakh" failed to transfer - in 2014, 2013, 2012, etc. - to the Pacific Fleet despite the many proclamations by defense minister Sergey Shoygu, his predecessor, and all of their subordinates. Will Delta III "Ryazan" ever return from long-term maintenance? After transferring from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Fleet in 2008, "Ryazan" only served three years before heading to Zvezda Far East Shipyard (Bolshoy Kamen) in 2011 for repairs. The submarine has been there so long the MOD had to sign a second contract in 2013 to cover the repairs that should have been completed under the first contract.

• Oscar II: "Omsk" and "Tver" are the fleet's only two operational General Purpose Force nuclear-powered submarines, and both of them won trophies this year. "Omsk" just returned from somewhere in the past few days as suggested by a MOD tweet today. "Krasnoyarsk" is being scrapped. "Irkutsk" is at Zvezda Far East Shipyard undergoing upgrades to carry the Kalibr-family of missiles. It won't return to service until at least December 2017. "Chelyabinsk" was just delivered to Zvezda Far East Shipyard this year, and no major components have been ordered for its Kalibr upgrade. Finally, "Tomsk" transferred to Zvezda Far East Shipyard in 2008 for a simple service life extension repair period, but it has yet to return to operational service.

• Akula I: "Akula" and "Barnaul" have been scrapped. "Kashalot" has been stuck at Amur Shipyard since 2003; its fate is unknown. "Bratsk" and "Samara" were ferried on board the Dutch-flagged heavy-lift ship "Transshelf" this summer from Rybachiy to Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center (Severodvinsk) for Kalibr upgrades. "Kuzbass" and "Magadan" have been at Zvezda Far East Shipyard since at least 2009 and 2012, respectively; their fates also remain unclear.

In other words, of the 13 nuclear-powered submarines still on the Pacific Fleet's books, only ~31% are operational.

You can't win a soccer match if you don't have enough players on the field.

This Week in Contracts: December 7-14, 2014

35th Shipyard/35 Sudoremontnyy Zavod (Murmansk)

• Number: 31401797518
• Contractor: Perm Scientific Production Instrument Manufacturing Company (Perm)
• Description: Delivery of navigation equipment for Udaloy II destroyer "Admiral Chabanenko"
• Time frame: March 31, 2016
• Contract value: RUB 125,455,290

• Number: 31401802946
• Contractor: Vektor Scientific Research Institute (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of Sirius ChVA-001-04RP radio-technical monitoring system for Udaloy II destroyer "Admiral Chabanenko"
• Time frame: September 2016
• Contract value: RUB 86,965,385

• Number: 31401809063
• Contractor: NEVOS (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of R-740UM for Kirov cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov"
• Time frame: 1Q2017
• Contract value: RUB 35,940,947

Admiralty Shipyards/Admiralteyskiye Verfi (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401808334
• Contractor: Termal Concern (Nizhniy Novgorod)
• Description: Delivery of NVE3-0.1-27 electric air heaters (x3) for Kilo (636.3) submarines
• Time frame: 1Q2015
• Contract value: not specified

• Number: 31401808387
• Contractor: Krizo Factory (Gatchina)
• Description: Delivery of Kristall fire alarm system for Kilo (636.3) submarine
• Time frame: 3Q2015
• Contract value: not specified

• Number: 31401808494
• Contractor: Progress Scientific Production Enterprise (Omsk)
• Description: Delivery of APRKU pneumatic anti-vibration dampers (x55) for Petersburg SS
• Time frame: 2Q2015
• Contract value: not specified

Almaz Central Naval Design Bureau (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401138314
• Contractor: Obukhovskoye
• Description: Creation of a hatch cover for Project 20183 auxiliary vessel
• Time frame: November 2015
• Contract value: RUB 120,000,000
• Remarks: On December 5, Almaz Central Naval Design Bureau agreed to extend this contract from the original end date of August 2015 to the new end date of November 2015

• Number: 31401795064
• Contractor: Sea Project (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Development of special damage control information support software for Steregushchiy III FFG
• Time frame: July 2014 - November 2016
• Contract value: RUB 53,703,958

Middle Neva Shipyard/Sredne-Nevskiy Sudostroitelnyy Zavod (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401802952
• Contractor: Akvamarin (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Installation and testing of MG-757.1 Anapa anti-swimmer sonar system on Obukhov minesweeper "Aleksandr Obukhov"
• Time frame: January 2015 - August 2015
• Contract value: RUB 463,361

• Number: 31401803062
• Contractor: Navis Design Bureau (Moscow)
• Description: Installation and testing of Briz-KM-K shipboard satellite navigation system on Obukhov minesweeper "Aleksandr Obukhov"
• Time frame: January 2015 - August 2015
• Contract value: RUB 493,500

• Number: 31401809675
• Contractor: Northern Machine-Building Enterprise [SevMash] (Severodvinsk)
• Description: Delivery of thrust bearings and bearing housings for Obukhov minesweepers (Factory #522-#524)
• Time frame: within 24 months of contract signing (Factory #522); within 30 months of contract signing (Factory #523); within 36 months of contract signing (Factory #524)
• Contract value: RUB 131,051,264

Nerpa Shipyard/Sudoremontnyy Zavod Nerpa (Snezhnogorsk)

• Number: 31401799468
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Additional manpower for ship/submarine repair/scrapping projects (engineers, assemblers-welders for non-nuclear ships/nuclear submarines, scrapping of surface ship/nuclear-powered submarine)
• Time frame: January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
• Contract value: not specified

• Number: 31401799940
• Contractor: YevraziyaServis (Moscow)
• Description: Delivery of M1600 voltmeters for Akula II submarine "Vepr"
• Time frame: December 2014
• Contract value: RUB 30,184

• Number: 31401799770
• Contractor: Valkom (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of UPT pressure converters for Sierra II submarine "Pskov"
• Time frame: November 2014
• Contract value: RUB 402,964

• Number: 31401803298
• Contractor: SudMash Scientific Production Association (Elista)
• Description: Delivery of MShNV-N-32-100-710 metallic hose for Akula II submarine "Vepr"
• Time frame: December 20, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 26,100

• Number: 31401803638
• Contractor: Etalon Omsk Factory (Omsk)
• Description: Delivery of resistance temperature detectors for Sierra II submarine "Pskov"
• Time frame: November 2014
• Contract value: RUB 23,541

Northern Machine-Building Enterprise/Severnoye Mashinostroitelnoye Predpriyatiye [SevMash] (Severodvinsk)

• Number: 31401775594
• Contractor: Kirov EnergoMash Factory (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Repairs of GTZA 653A (forward machinery room)/GTZA 653B (aft machinery room) gas-turbine plants on Kirov cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov"
• Time frame: December 1, 2014 - June 20, 2015
• Contract value: RUB 24,879,832

• Number: 31401788634
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Repairs of ballast compartments on "Sukhona" floating dry dock
• Time frame: December 11, 2014 - February 20, 2015
• Contract value: RUB 11,204,297

• Number: 31401810869
• Contractor: Malakhit St. Petersburg Marine Bureau of Machine-Building (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Service maintenance and assistance in operating Severodvinsk submarine "Severodvinsk"
• Time frame: 2014-2016
• Contract value: RUB 14,545,978

• Number: 31401812277
• Contractor: Center for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Technology (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Creation of designs for retooling SevMash production capacity to support construction of special-purpose submarines
• Time frame: December 2015
• Contract value: RUB 35,088,976

• Number: 31401812579
• Contractor: Vineta (Nikolskoye)
• Description: Delivery of fresh water coolers for Dolgorukiy ballistic missile submarines "Knyaz Oleg", "Knyaz Suvorov", Factory #01207-#01208
• Time frame: December 2015
• Contract value: RUB 22,136,512

• Number: 31401813434
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Additional manpower (assemblers, welders) for SevMash projects
• Time frame: January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
• Contract value: RUB 765,000,000

• Number: 31401813473
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Additional manpower (lathe operators, bore machine operators, milling machine operators) for SevMash projects
• Time frame: January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
• Contract value: RUB 153,000,000

Northern Shipyard/Severnaya Verf (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401790219
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Additional hull assembly manpower (20,000 man/hours) for Northern Shipyard construction projects
• Time frame: January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
• Contract value: RUB 9,440,000

• Number: 31401792353
• Contractor: SberBank (Moscow)
• Description: Non-revolving bank line of credit for Severnaya Verf to build Gorshkov frigates
• Time frame: through December 31, 2018
• Contract value: RUB 4,339,645,600

• Number: 31401793471
• Contractor: Pribor Scientific Production Association (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of SMKP-M-22350 shipboard room and deck monitoring system for Gorshkov frigate "Admiral Flota Kasatonov"
• Time frame: 2Q2015
• Contract value: RUB 41,775,083

• Number: 31401793676
• Contractor: Pribor Scientific Production Association (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of SMKP-M-22350 shipboard room and deck monitoring system for Gorshkov frigate "Admiral Golovko"
• Time frame: 4Q2015
• Contract value: RUB 41,775,083

• Number: 31401799765
• Contractor: ElektroPribor Central Scientific Research Institute (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of spare parts kit for P-409 integrated internal ship communications system on Ivanov intelligence collection ship "Yuriy Ivanov"
• Time frame: January 2015
• Contract value: RUB 3,595,599

• Number: 31401804765
• Contractor: Kompressor (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Installation and testing of EKSA7.5-3M-1 electric compressor stations and 1EKPV 15/150 electric compressor on Ivanov intelligence collection ship "Yuriy Ivanov"
• Time frame: December 2014
• Contract value: RUB 1,943,055

• Number: 31401805131
• Contractor: Kompressor (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Installation and testing of EKSA7.5-3M-1 electric compressor stations and 1EKPV 15/150 electric compressor on Ivanov intelligence collection ship "Ivan Khurs"
• Time frame: January 2015 - April 2016
• Contract value: RUB 2,103,792

• Number: 31401811193
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Assembly-welding work (10,000 man-hours) on Gorshkov frigates "Admiral Flota Kasatonov"/"Admiral Golovko"/"Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Isakov", Ivanov intelligence collection ship "Ivan Khurs", Project 23120 oceangoing tugs "Elbrus"/"MB-75"/"Kapitan Shevchenko", and Steregushchiy II frigates "Gremyashchiy"/"Provornyy"
• Time frame: February 2015 - December 2015
• Contract value: RUB 4,000,000

Yantar Baltic Shipyard/Pribaltiyskiy Sudostroitelnyy Zavod Yantar (Kaliningrad)

• Number: 31401787647
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of PU 100FM-02-OM4 steering mechanism for Gren landing ship "Petr Morgunov"
• Time frame: 1Q2016
• Contract value: RUB 4,948,701

• Number: 31401806335
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of diesel fuel separator for Gren landing ship "Petr Morgunov"
• Time frame: 3Q2015
• Contract value: RUB 6,208,833

• Number: 31401807022
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of air heater for Gren landing ship "Petr Morgunov"
• Time frame: not specified
• Contract value: RUB 21,565,079

Zvezda Far East Shipyard/Dalnyevostochnyy Zavod Zvezda (Bolshoy Kamen)

• Number: 31401789272
• Contractor: MorInformSistema-Agat (Moscow)
• Description: Delivery of 3R-14PN-949AM for Oscar II submarine
• Time frame: October 31, 2016
• Contract value: RUB 1,676,971,915
• Remarks: Probably for Oscar II submarine "Irkutsk"

• Number: 31401807908
• Contractor: Northeast Repair Center (Vilyuchinsk)
• Description: Repairs of MNK-200 submarine wake detection system on Akula I submarine "Kuzbass"
• Time frame: March 31, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 4,770,912

• Number: 31401808129
• Contractor: Rekom (Bolshoy Kamen)
• Description: Delivery of components for 5-2D42 diesels of main diesel engines #1/#2 on "Pallada" floating dry dock
• Time frame: within 10 days of first payment
• Contract value: RUB 3,802,383

Analysis of MOD's New-Construction Numbers for RF Navy in 2014

Dolgorukiy nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine
[credit: Rubin Central Design Bureau of Naval Technology]

At this week's expanded MOD collegium meeting, deputy defense minister Yuriy Borisov stated that "6 combat ships and cutters, 1 submarine... 21 auxiliary ships and vessels" were delivered to the Russian military. Those numbers appear to be somewhat correct; however, the official report published by the MOD on its website states that 2 submarines and "5 surface ships and 10 combat cutters of various classes" were delivered to the military in 2014.

Here is what I see (as of December 19) for new-construction ships, vessels, and submarines:

"6 combatant ships and cutters" (Borisov) | "5 surface ships and 10 combat cutters of various classes" (MOD report)

• [x2] Dyugon amphibious landing craft ["Denis Davydov", "Ivan Kartsov"]
• [x1] Serna amphibious landing craft ["D-199"]
• [x1] Steregushchiy I frigate ["Stoykiy"]
• [x2] Sviyazhsk patrol combatants ["Uglich", "Velikiy Ustyug"]

"one submarine" (Borisov) | "two submarines" (MOD report)

• [x1] Dolgorukiy nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine ["Vladimir Monomakh"]
• [x1] Kilo diesel submarine ["Novorossiysk"]
• There is still hope that Kilo diesel submarine "Rostov-na-Donu" could be delivered by the end of December

"21 auxiliary ships and vessels" (Borisov)

• [x1] Baklan hydrographic survey vessel ["BGK-2152"]
• [x3] Grachonok harbor protection craft ["P-355", "P-377", "P-417"]
• [x2] PE-65 sea-going tug ["MB-134", "MB-135"]
• [x1] Mod-Shelon VIP personnel launch ["KSV-2155"]
• [x2] Stridsbat 90 combat personnel launches
• [x3] SKPO-1000 harbor tanker ["Pecha", "Umba", "VTN-73"]
• [x3] Project 16609 harbor tug ["Belukha", "RB-406", "RB-407"]
• [x1] Project 22870 salvage and rescue tug ["SB-45"]
• [x3] Project 23370 multi-function harbor craft ["SMK-2093", "SMK-2094", "SMK-2100"]
• [x2] Project 90600 harbor tugs ["RB-412", "RB-413"]

Not included in either report were the following less-sexy items:

• [x2] Project 02690 floating cranes ["SPK-19150", "SPK-42150"]
• [x6] Project 23040 harbor diver support vessel ["RVK-933", "RVK-946", "RVK-1045", "RVK-1064", "RVK-1102", one other]
• [x6] Project 436BIS target vessels
• [x11] Project 455 target vessels

Borisov then stated that "Aleksandr Nevskiy" and "Yuriy Dolgorukiy" each launched a single "Bulava" (SS-N-32) missile this year as part of their combat certifications. True, but there was a third launch by "Vladmir Monomakh" that was conducted as part of state trials - would it have hurt to mention that launch?

XLT+: Construction of "Kronshtadt" Diesel Sub Continues

"Kronshtadt" bow module section ready for transfer to Workshop 12 (2014)
[credit: Admiralty Shipyards]

                                         [translation of "Admiralteyets" newspaper article]

SUBMARINE "KRONSHTADT": FIRST MODULE ON BUILDING WAY!
December 15, 2014

In the coming days, the bow module section of the second Project 677/Lada-class submarine "Kronshtadt" will be transported from Workshop 9 to Workshop 12. Today, construction of the serially-produced unit, which was restarted in July 2013, is in full swing.

In 2009, the Ministry of Defense ordered a halt to the construction of "Kronshtadt", which was laid down in 2005. Four years later, this unique project was given a "second life" - a state contract to continue construction was signed by RF deputy defense minister Yuriy Borisov and Admiralty Shipyards general director Aleksandr Buzakov.

New Life for Lada Project
Today, the bow and stern module sections of the second Project 677 submarine are in Workshop 9, and internal structures requiring rework have been dismantled. The bow module is being prepared for transport to a construction way in Workshop 12. It's symbolic that Bay 6, the same bay used for the construction of "Sank-Peterburg", has been prepared to receive the new bow module.

Work continues on the stern module - a joint in the fourth compartment has already been cut, and upgrades to the end of the stern section are underway.

"In accordance with drawings we received from our designer, Rubin Central Design Bureau of Naval Technology, adjustments were made to the design of the shaft line, which is why the stern section tip is undergoing modifications. To this end, serious efforts are underway," explains project manager and Construction Department 6 senior builder Viktor Mishkin. "The layout of some spaces has changed somewhat - mostly in the fourth and fifth compartments, where the diesel generators and electric propulsion motor are located. Work is also underway to improve designs; this requirement arose while the first hull was being tested."

According to the project manager, the changes being made are primarily focused on improving technical characteristics and habitability, as well as simplifying the ability to service onboard systems.

At the same time as the submarine's construction, a lot of effort is underway to survey structures that were completed earlier. Outfitting buildings and units and machine-building equipment have been activated.

According to Viktor Mishkin, construction of the submarine hasn't reached the most intensive phase yet. Only the scope of work clearly defined by the designers is underway: "As soon as we receive drawings, we immediately start working. First and foremost, the reliability of the submarine depends on clear adherence to the parameters set forth in the design."

Workshop 9 employees - builders under the supervision of Oleg Sosunov, assemblers led by Nikolay Borisenko, teams of welders under Roman Shemenkov and Valeriy Kichigin - are now actively involved in the construction. Preparation of the bow module section for transport to Workshop 12 is being handled by Vladimir Kozlov's assembly team and Yevgeniy Agapov's metal worker team. These are the same workers who participated in construction of the first Project Lada submarine.

A majority of the work is also being performed by Workshops 6 and 7 and by machine-building production personnel.

The transfer of the stern module section into Workshop 12 is scheduled for spring 2015. During this time, the submarine's hull will be prepared for insulation work. "Habitability conditions inside the submarine depend on the quality of insulation, and this step also helps prevent accumulation of condensation, which is not desired when operating machinery," explains Viktor Mishkin. "After insulation work, the module section can be moved to the construction way, where installation of equipment will begin."

Upon completion of the first stage of construction in Workshop 9, all factory teams will be brought in to work on the submarine.

We Create... And Build
Despite the fact that "Kronshtadt" is not a lead hull, it is being built using a corrected technical design. "Nearly 20 years have passed since the draft design was completed," says Construction Department 6 senior builder Mark Khazanov. "Since then, based on construction and testing experience, new types of equipment and requirements have materialized, which the designer has reviewed and which will be introduced during construction. We could consider that, at some level, "Kronshtadt" - for us - is a submarine that isn't being built, but rather created. There's a difference!"

New, Modern!
Currently, Project 677 submarines are the most modern non-nuclear submarines. Despite the large scope of work, timelines for building this unique submarine are rather tight: according to the signed documents, the transfer of "Kronshtadt" to the Russian Navy is scheduled for 2017.

                                                     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Probable "Kronshtadt" hull section loaded on "Luga" floating dry dock (December 15, 2014)
[credit: "Curious"]

It appears that some transfer activity has already occurred. On December 16, Admiralty Shipyard's floating dry dock "Luga" did transfer a hull section from the northern area of the shipyard to a southern construction facility. The larger bow section also may have been transferred on December 16 or could be transferred during a separate operation by the end of this month.

Contracts linked to "Kronshtadt" construction include (listed by order of scheduled delivery):

• 1Q2015: 72V29KM remote control equipment; oil-water separators; automated air compressor systems
• 2Q2015: hydraulic mooring capstan; LGS-42 special-purpose hydraulic winch; P407/P-408 communications systems; MG-65 emergency underwater communications system; air/water heaters; PD-3MA2 incinerators; anti-vibration mounts 
• 3Q2015: Baget 41-10 computer; diesel generators 
• 4Q2015: ARM-5 automated steering apparatus; Gnom-2 device
• 1Q2016: reserve propulsion system

"Petr Velikiy" Heads for Norwegian Sea ASW Exercise

Possible antisubmarine warfare exercise area closure in Norwegian Sea - December 7-20, 2014

According to a December 8 Western Military District press release, Northern Fleet Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruiser "Petr Velikiy" departed port in the past few days and is heading to an antisubmarine warfare (ASW) exercise. According to Vice Admiral Nikolay Yevmenov (Chief of Staff, Northern Fleet), "a feature of this event is the area where it will be conducted - farther away and with more difficult hydrological conditions than in those areas where we regularly conduct such training." The ASW exercise area is further defined as being "in neutral waters in a training range of a far maritime zone on the border of the Norwegian and Greenland Seas."

While there is only the general description of the ASW exercise area, the following area closure, which was announced last week, seems to match that description in terms of location:

HYDROARC 350/2014    
NORWEGIAN SEA.
HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS.
DNC 21, DNC 22.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 072100Z TO 202100Z DEC IN AREA BETWEEN 75-00N 72-00N AND 007-00E 012-00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 202200Z DEC 14.

Other participants of the training event, which will last several days, will include "several Northern Fleet submarines of various classes," shipborne KA-27 Helix helicopters, and IL-38 May and TU-142 Bear F long-range, fixed-wing ASW aircraft. At the conclusion of the event, "Petr Velikiy" is scheduled to launch torpedoes and depth bombs.

While Kirov is not the first surface combatant that comes to mind when you think of antisubmarine warfare, it is a capable platform, and it can carry a couple ASW helicopters. But if Russia is going this far out to conduct an antisubmarine warfare exercise, why bring only one ASW-capable surface combatant? Why not include an Udaloy or Sovremennyy destroyer?

This Week in Contracts: December 1-7, 2014

82nd Shipyard/82 Sudoremontnyy Zavod (Roslyakovo)

• Number: 31401780902
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of spare parts of Cedervall EF-95 (Rauma-Repola Liaaen) propeller shaft on Goryn salvage and rescue tug "SB-523"
• Time frame: no later than February 1, 2015
• Contract value: not specified

Admiralty Shipyards/Admiralteyskiye Verfi (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401758860
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Delivery of desalination plant for Project 21180 icebreaker (Factory #02470)
• Time frame: July 2015
• Contract value: RUB 3,403,356

• Number: 31401777352
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Assembly of trunks for Ananas and Parus-98UP mast antennas for Kilo diesel submarines ("Krasnodar", "Velikiy Novgorod", Kolpino")
• Time frame: January 2015 ("Krasnodar"); December 2015 ("Velikiy Novgorod"); February 2016 ("Kolpino")
• Contract value: RUB 4,266,882
• Remarks: This is a re-anouncement of 31401653680, for which no bids were tendered. The contract value has increased from RUB 3,519,067 to RUB 4,266,882.

• Number: 31401777382
• Contractor: Tranzas (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of group display panel for rescue equipment control system on Belousov submarine rescue ship "Igor Belousov"
• Time frame: 4Q2014
• Contract value: not specified

Almaz Central Naval Design Bureau (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401755234
• Contractor: Delfin Central Scientific Research Institute (Moscow)
• Description: Adjustments to design documentation of Chardash automated navigation and gyro-stabilization system for Steregushchiy III frigates
• Time frame: November 2015
• Contract value: RUB 6,000,000

• Number: 31401755369
• Contractor: Novator Experimental Design Bureau (Yekaterinburg)
• Description: Adjustments to design documentation for 3K-14 and 9K missile systems for Steregushchiy II frigates
• Time frame: March 2015
• Contract value: RUB 33,931,250

• Number: 31401755437
• Contractor: Kamov (Lyubertsy)
• Description: Development of baseline data of all versions of KA-27 helicopters to be based on Steregushchiy III frigates
• Time frame: March 2015
• Contract value: RUB 600,000

• Number: 31401763813
• Contractor: Scientific Research Institute of Rubber-Containing Coatings and Equipment (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Development of documentation for APAK RKI on Project 20386 frigates
• Time frame: November 2014 - November 2015
• Contract value: RUB 10,000,000

Middle Neva Shipyard/Sredne-Nevskiy Sudostroitelnyy Zavod (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401770701
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Manufacturing of medium-layer panels (1,363 square meters) made of Divinycell PVC (40-60mm thick) for Steregushchiy frigate (Factory #01626)
• Time frame: not specified
• Contract value: RUB 23,709,014
• Remarks: This factory serial number (01626) is unusual as it does not match the factory serial numbering sequence for Steregushchiy frigates built at Amur Shipyard or Northern Shipyard. Middle Neva Shipyard only manufactures the topside sections of Steregushchiy frigates.

• Number: 31401771491
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Additional manpower (10,000 man-hours) for outfitting work on Obukhov minesweeper "Aleksandr Obukhov"
• Time frame: not specified
• Contract value: not specified

Northeast Repair Center/Severo-Vostochnyy Remontnyy Tsentr (Vilyuchinsk)

• Number: 31401776191
• Contractor: SudoRemVostok (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy)
• Description: Service maintenance and repairs of diesel engines on Sorum ocean-going tug "MB-61", Rudnitskiy submarine rescue ship "Georgiy Kozmin", and floating crane "SPK-28035"
• Time frame: by December 10, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 24,478,607

• Number: 31401776178
• Contractor: VoyenTeleKom - 741 Communications Equipment Repair Factory (Vladivostok)
• Description: Repairs and annual certification of communications systems on Sorum ocean-going tug "MB-148"
• Time frame: before December 20, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 358,531

Northern Shipyard/Severnaya Verf (St. Petersburg)

• Number: 31401777568
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Development of working design for fire and security monitoring system on Steregushchiy II frigate
• Time frame: within 45 days of contract signing
• Contract value: RUB 252,430

• Number: 31401774847
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Development of working design for fire and security monitoring system on Project 23120 ocean-going tug
• Time frame: within 45 days of contract signing
• Contract value: RUB 150,000

State Nuclear Energy Corporation/Gosudarstvennaya Korporatsiya po Atomnoy Energii [RosAtom] (Moscow)

• Number: 0773100000314000105
• Contractor: not specified
• Description: Scrapping of PM-124-class nuclear support vessel "TNT-4"
• Time frame: November 30, 2016
• Contract value: RUB 100,000,000

Yantar Baltic Shipyard/Pribaltiyskiy Sudostroitelnyy Zavod Yantar (Kaliningrad)

• Number: 31401769867
• Contractor: Armalit-1 (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of various shipboard components (valves, filters, etc.) for Grigorovich frigates "Admiral Grigorovich", "Admiral Essen", and "Admiral Makarov"
• Time frame: December 2014 ("Admiral Grigorovich", "Admiral Essen"); March 2015 ("Admiral Makarov")
• Contract value: RUB 38,380,205

• Number: 31401769869
• Contractor: Ekvator Factory Scientific Production Enterprise (Nizhniy Novgorod)
• Description: Delivery of ventilation equipment for Grigorovich frigates "Admiral Grigorovich", "Admiral Essen", and "Admiral Makarov"
• Time frame: December 2014
• Contract value: RUB 11,439,390

• Number: 31401769956
• Contractor: Marine Navigation Systems (St. Petersburg)
• Description: Delivery of self-leveling coating for Grigorovich frigate "Admiral Essen"
• Time frame: February 2015
• Contract value: RUB 930,805

Zvezda Far East Shipyard/Dalnyevostochnyy Zavod Zvezda (Bolshoy Kamen)

• Number: 31401756252
• Contractor: VoyenTelekom (Moscow)
• Description: Testing and repairs of Afalina emergency radio buoy and T-608-2 on Oscar II submarine
• Time frame: November 30, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 524,273

• Number: 31401764122
• Contractor: DalZavod (Vladivostok)
• Description: Repairs of Pallada floating dry dock
• Time frame: October 27, 2014 - November 30, 2014
• Contract value: RUB 12,142,385

Is "Petr Velikiy" Preparing for Another Half-Year Deployment?

Kirov nuclear-powered cruiser "Petr Velikiy" in the Mediterranean Sea - November 2013

Northern Fleet Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruiser "Petr Velikiy" completed a seven-month deployment between October 2013 and May 2014. After a six-month stand-down that included some level of repairs, the cruiser returned to sea in mid-November to complete combat certifications. During an approximate week-long underway period, the cruiser's crew conducted basic crew certifications along with gunnery and surface-to-air missile qualifications. Very routine, nothing unusual.

In late November, however, dispatches from social media suggested "Petr Velikiy" was preparing for a half-year deployment. And in early December, Deputy Minister of Defense General Dmitriy Bulgakov visited "Petr Velikiy" during a trip to Severomorsk.

There is no other information on departure/return dates, potential port calls, areas where the cruiser will operate, or even the names of support vessels. And, of course, no official confirmation of such a deployment has been released.

Third Russian-Built Kilo Submarine to Begin Journey to Vietnam Next Week

Track of "Rolldock Star" - December 4, 2014

Final preparations are underway for the transfer of the third Kilo-class diesel submarine, named "Haiphong", from Russia to Vietnam.

"Haiphong" conducted three phases of underway training for the submarine's future crew in July, August and September. The submarine then conducted two brief underway periods on October 29-November 2 and November 5-10. Over the past month, Admiralty Shipyards completed some final cosmetic touch-ups on the boat in preparation for the official hand-over.

In October, shipyard officials stated that "Haiphong" would depart for Vietnam before December 10. And it looks like that may be close to the truth.

The heavy-lift ship "Rolldock Star" (IMO: 9656498) departed Antwerp, Belgium, at 14:00 GMT today en route to St. Petersburg, where it is expected to arrive at 15:00 GMT on December 8. "Rolldock Star" was used to ferry the second Vietnamese Kilo ("Ho Chi Minh City") from Russia to Vietnam earlier this year. With an approximate six-week transit, the heavy-lift ship should arrive in Cam Ranh Bay in late-February 2015.

Possible Land-Attack Cruise Missile Launch Scheduled for Next Week

Flight bans (yellow) and an area closure for missile activity (red) - December 8-10, 2014

                        [updated December 6 to include flight bans and modify launch candidates]

Unusual flight bans and area closure for Barents Sea missile activity have been announced for December 8-10:

G2604/14 - TEMPO DANGER AREA ACT:
692800N 0351600E-695500N 0351400E-702900N 0450400E-691700N 0474000E-684500N 0474000E-683600N 0475000E-683000N 0482000E-682800N 0492000E-682000N 0494000E-681000N 0490000E-680900N 0482000E-675500N 0481000E-675000N 0474000E-675200N 0472000E-683100N 0463800E-681800N 0452500E-694500N 0435000E-692100N 0360000E-692800N 0351600E.
SFC - FL070, DAILY 0200-1700, 08 DEC 02:00 2014 UNTIL 10 DEC 17:00 2014.

G2610/14 - FLT PROHIBITED WI AREA BOUNDED BY COORD:
692800N 0351600E-692100N 0360000E-691500N 0351000E-692800N 0351600E.
SFC - FL070, DAILY 0200-1700, 08 DEC 02:00 2014 UNTIL 10 DEC
17:00 2014. CREATED: 05 DEC 05:02 2014

HYDROARC 349/14
ARCTIC.
BARENTS SEA.
MISSILES.
DNC 22.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 0200Z TO 1100Z DAILY 08 THRU 10 DEC IN AREA BOUND BY:
69-55.0N 035-14.0E, 70-29.0N 045-04.0E, 68-54.0N 048-13.5E, 68-43.0N 048-37.0E, 68-03.0N 049-54.0E, 67-35.0N 047-52.0E, 67-49.0N 046-42.0E, 68-29.0N 045-47.0E, 69-45.0N 043-50.0E, 69-15.0N 035-10.0E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 101200Z DEC 14.

The area closure has two legs measuring approximately 215nm and 180nm - for a total length of nearly 400nm. The range is longer than known ranges of Russian anti-ship cruise missiles, and the dog-leg turn is not something one would expect of an anti-ship cruise missile area closure, suggesting this is a land-attack cruise missile launch. The eastern-most leg ends at the shoreline that is adjacent to Cheshkaya Guba.

While the launch platform is not yet known, there are at least two candidates, both of which are armed with the SS-N-30 land-attack cruise missile (range: 800nm-1,400nm, depending on the warhead payload):

• Severodvinsk-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine "Severodvinsk"
• Kilo-class diesel submarine "Novorossiysk", which arrived in Polyarnyy last month

[Follow-up: On December 8, Victor III-class nuclear-powered submarine "Obninsk" successfully launched a cruise missile from a submerged location in the Barents Sea towards the Chizha Test Range, according to a Northern Fleet spokesperson.]