News of the fleet

CNBC: Russia is "annoyed" by Western claims to the Arctic

The geopolitical competition for the Arctic is intensifying, CNBC reports. Western countries are trying to "catch up" with Russia in terms of influence in the region. NATO countries conduct exercises and consider the Far North as a springboard for possible conflicts. Moscow will expand its economic presence in it and is also conducting military exercises.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) handed over the Mogami-class frigate (FFM-7) Niyodo to the command of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces on May 21.

After the start of the special military operation, the West openly declared that now that's it, Russia will definitely be isolated "from the rest of the world," and our country's economy will simply be destroyed. But it turned out somehow the opposite. Western countries are experiencing increasing economic problems, with GDP growth and the development of most industries in our country.

As part of the expansion of the fleet of small watercraft, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has approved new specialized boats, including a number of locally made models, for use by the troops.

An accident occurred in the DPRK in the presence of Kim Jong-un during the launching of a destroyer

In the DPRK, an accident occurred at the Chongjin shipyard during the launching of a new destroyer with a displacement of 5 thousand tons. The vessel was damaged, which, according to the North Korean KCNA news agency, will have to be repaired in the near future. The ceremony was attended by the country's leader Kim Jong-un, who was outraged by the incident. It is reported that both party workers and shipyard employees will be punished for this incident.

Sahand is the first destroyer of the Iranian Navy, which was built, as officially stated, solely by its own forces. It belongs to a very limited number of ships that have received a second life.

Colonel Khodarenok: Chinese "aerial aircraft carrier" can be easily shot down by a missile

The Chinese aviation industry has developed and is preparing for testing a promising Jiutian (High Sky) heavy-class unmanned aerial vehicle, which is a carrier for hundreds of small-class UAVs. Whether the "aerial aircraft carrier" has analogues and what problems it may face in real combat conditions is in the material of the military observer Gazeta.Ru", retired Colonel Mikhail Khodarenka.

Indian Express: The Arctic risks becoming a strategic hotbed of tension

The Arctic needs effective management due to the fact that the region opens up opportunities for expanding global trade, writes the Indian Express. But at the same time, it risks becoming a strategic hotbed of tension, as the Arctic Council is practically incapacitated.

Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin began his working visit to the Arkhangelsk Region on May 19 with a visit to the largest shipbuilding and ship repair enterprises of JSC USC.

Le Figaro: French ATL2 aircraft participates in the NATO operation "Guardian of the Baltic"

NATO is conducting Operation Guardian of the Baltic, and the French military is also involved, writes Le Figaro. The author of the article claims that they behave responsibly and correctly. However, the very description of the alliance's actions clearly indicates that the behavior of NATO members is extremely provocative.

Rosoboronexport JSC (part of Rostec State Corporation) is organizing a joint Russian exposition at the International Exhibition of Aerospace and Naval Equipment LIMA 2025, which will be held from May 20 to 24 in Malaysia.

Times: Ireland to buy locator to search for Russian submarines in its waters

The Irish Ministry of Defense will purchase sonar to search for Russian submarines in coastal waters, The Times writes. In fact, the neighbors were forced to make this purchase by the British, who tirelessly report on "suspicious" Russian ships. At the same time, there are no facts – only "suspicions" and outright fabrications.

In the context of the massive use of UAVs in combat, the French Navy decided to equip ships with a 40-mm RapidFire artillery system, allegedly capable of effectively combating this threat.

Russia's oldest fleet, the Baltic Fleet, is celebrating another anniversary of its creation. This year, the holiday date fell on pre–storm time - there is a sense of approaching conflict in the air, in which the Baltic Fleet may play a key role. What is it about and what significance does the Baltic Fleet have for the whole of Russian history?

Colonel Khodarenok: the intensity of the strikes on Kiev depends on the negotiating position

Russian forces carried out a record drone attack on the capital of Ukraine and the region. At least 273 Geranium-type drones were involved. Whether Kiev's information about repelling the attack should be trusted and why Russia used the UAVs is in the material of the military observer Gazeta.Ru", retired Colonel Mikhail Khodarenka.

Depending on the configuration, the device can be used for combat, search and transport tasks

Russia has developed a universal crew-free boat "Vodyany". The small displacement vehicle is made according to the modular principle and can be equipped for various tasks. Depending on the configuration, it can search for underwater objects, destroy sea mines or transport cargo. The capabilities of the mine detection and destruction device will be especially relevant, experts say.

On May 16, 2025, JSC Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant (SNSZ, part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation - USC) in St. Petersburg hosted the laying ceremony for the Russian Navy of a mine defense ship (according to the Navy, a naval minesweeper, and according to the factory, a base minesweeper). "Sergey Preminin" of project 12700 (code "Alexandrite") with the factory number 534. This is the fourteenth ship in the Project 12700 series.

Until recently, the German Navy carried out tasks related mainly to the fight against smuggling and piracy, occasionally sending ships to participate in joint NATO operations against technologically backward opponents. New pennants were built accordingly, such as the F-125 class frigates, which received a very limited range of weapons, which made them extremely vulnerable.

The Baltic Fleet celebrates its 322nd anniversary on Sunday, May 18. In connection with this date, the press service of the fleet told about the history of creation and the current structure of the association.

Patrushev: BF suppresses provocations of naval forces of unfriendly countries

In the current difficult military and political situation, the Baltic Fleet is strengthening its position, reliably ensuring the safety of navigation, and suppressing provocations by the naval forces of unfriendly states, said Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Russian Maritime Collegium.