The ships will perform tasks in the most difficult conditions of the ArcticThe Russian Defense Ministry will receive the third diesel-electric icebreaker of project 21180/21180M "Ilya Muromets".
It is already known that it will be executed according to the updated project and will be delivered to the Northern Fleet. Two ships of this series are already ready, but then their construction was suspended. Such can perform the functions of transports, tugs, auxiliary vessels. And, if necessary, act as a combat unit. According to experts, such icebreakers are necessary to ensure Russia's national security in the Arctic.
In the footsteps of "Ilya Muromets"
As sources in the military department told Izvestia, a fundamental decision on the resumption of a series of combat icebreakers of the 21180/21180M project has already been made. An updated project is being developed, according to which the third ship of the series will be built. The deadlines for the start of work and the transfer of a new unit of the Russian Navy are also being agreed. It is expected that she will join the Northern Fleet by the end of 2027. But, as the interlocutors of the editorial board noted, it is possible that this period may "go to the right."
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| Icebreaker Ilya Muromets. |
| Source: RIA Novosti/Igor Russak |
The plans to continue the construction of the Ilya Muromets icebreakers were announced by the Commander-in-chief of the Navy, Admiral Nikolai Evmenov. The commissioning of diesel-electric icebreakers is aimed at strengthening the Russian presence in high latitudes, he noted.
Two icebreakers of the 21180/21180M project were built for the Navy. "Ilya Muromets" is serving in the Northern Fleet. "Yevpatiy Kolovrat" is currently undergoing tests, after being accepted into the fleet, it should serve in the Pacific Ocean.
The lead ship of project 21180 Ilya Muromets with a displacement of 6000 tons became the first icebreaker built for the needs of the Russian Navy in 45 years. It was laid down in 2015, and at the end of 2017 it was transferred to the Northern Fleet.
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| Icebreaker Ilya Muromets. |
| Source: RIA Novosti/Pavel Lviv |
"Yevpatiy Kolovrat" has already been built according to the modernized 21180M project. In particular, the developers have reduced the dimensions and draft. The displacement of the ship is 4000 tons, the draft is 4.6 m against 6.8 m at Ilya Muromets. The developer explained that the reduced draft of the Kolovrat would allow him to enter the ports of Tiksi in Yakutia and Dixon in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. They are operated by the Russian Navy. And one of the main tasks of military icebreakers is to ensure the basing and deployment of fleet forces in the Arctic, including the ice wiring of warships and auxiliary vessels.
It is known that the third ship in the series should receive an updated powerplant and propeller columns (the propulsor mounted on a special column is used, among other things, to perform maneuvers).
According to military historian Dmitry Boltenkov, the new ship is needed to ensure Russia's national security in the Arctic. There he will solve a wide range of tasks.
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| Icebreaker Ilya Muromets. |
| Source: TASS/Lev Fedoseev |
— The forces of the Northern and Pacific Fleets (in Kamchatka) are based in not very favorable climatic conditions, — the expert reminded Izvestia. — In winter, the northern seas have the properties of freezing. And if ships and submarines have to go to sea, the ice will have to be broken. Also, now a wide infrastructure, including military, is deployed in the Arctic. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly make transportation. "Ilya Muromtsy" will not only conduct caravans, but also deliver goods independently. They will also be able to perform rescue tasks and patrol the waters of the Northern Sea Route. Helicopters and specialized boats are based on board icebreakers. And if necessary, weapons, marine personnel or even Arctic motorized infantry can be placed on board icebreakers.
For all tasks
"Ilya Muromets" can reach speeds of up to 15 knots, overcome meter-thick ice. Crew — 32 people (Evpatiya Kolovrat has a smaller crew — 28 people), length — 85 m, width — 20 m. The main technical innovation is the screw-steering columns, which are fixed outside the hull and can rotate 360 degrees around the vertical axis, which will help him move not only the nose, but also the stern and side.
The icebreaker can conduct ships and vessels in a solid ice field, transport cargo in the hold and containers on deck, perform hydrographic research, participate in rescue operations. The vessel can be used to extinguish fires at emergency facilities, eliminate emergency oil spills, as well as to transport passengers or troops. The icebreaker is equipped with a crane with a lifting capacity of 26 tons, a helipad is located in the bow of the vessel.
Izvestia has already written that the Navy will receive a new line of auxiliary vessels. The main requirement is that all new "pennants" should be built only from domestic components. The main tactical and technical characteristics, as well as the preliminary appearance of the new units of the fleet have already been formed and approved. In total, it is planned to build two lines of auxiliary vessels. The first is a universal hull, on the basis of which various vessels will be built, in particular a floating workshop and a hospital. The second line includes vessels of different hulls, including a small tanker, a tugboat, a keel and a universal ship for removing physical interference and demagnetization.
In recent years, Russia has been actively building infrastructure in the Arctic and deploying forces there to cover the Northern Sea Route. The joint strategic command "Northern Fleet" was created, equal in status to the military district. It received territories and military units allocated from the Western Military District under its control. Then the Arctic grouping was reinforced by the troops of the Central and Eastern military districts located in the Arctic. The 14th Army Corps, consisting of the 80th and 200th separate motorized rifle brigades, entered the coastal units of the fleet.
Coastal missile systems "Bal" and "Bastion", air defense systems are located on the Arctic islands. The polar airfields have been reconstructed, fighters are serving on them. In addition, the transfer of forces to the Arctic from other regions, both land and sea, is regularly practiced.
Along with the appearance of military bases in the region, transport infrastructure is also being built, which can be used for civilian needs.
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| Icebreaker Ilya Muromets. |
| Source: iz.ru |
In addition to the military presence, Russia is creating an infrastructure related to nature protection in the Arctic. In addition, a base is being created for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, which can be used to rescue people on the waters and to protect the environment. As expected, as the climate changes and with the commissioning of the latest icebreakers, navigation along the Northern Sea Route will become year-round.
Roman Kretsul
Alexey Ramm
