Current State Of Russian Navy’s Intelligence Ships

Translation of the article released in Russian by balabin-1712.livejournal.com

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Intelligence ships play a special role in both peacetime and wartime. This is a class of ships aimed at solving specific tasks at various points in the oceans, ranging from ensuring control of the naval forces to the implementation of electronic warfare against enemy forces and assets. In peacetime, intelligence ships solve a different set of combat training tasks, taking part in combat operations far from their native shores. In the course of the well-known events of the 1990s, the naval intelligence ship structure was greatly reduced, many units were retired from the Navy and scrapped, some were sold to private companies or transferred to foreign Navies. As a result, all the special-purpose brigades were disbanded, and the divisions were greatly reduced.

What is the situation today?

As of May 2019, the Russian Navy, being in varying degrees of readiness and technical condition, includes 20 intelligence ships of various ranks and projects. Of these 20, 6 units are in the Northern Fleet, 5 units are in the Pacific and Black Sea fleets, and 4 are units in the Baltic Fleet. But it should be noted separately that perhaps the modern Russian Navy continues to implement the Soviet practice of solving reconnaissance tasks with the help of floating workshops, to which electronic intelligence and special communications facilities were installed.

Today in the Mediterranean on a rotational basis, three floating workshops carry such tasks: PM-138 and PM-56 of the Black Sea Fleet and the recently restored PM-82 of the Baltic Fleet. In turn, PM-56 of the Black Sea Fleet in 2017 was upgraded with better radio equipment.

In general, the command of the Navy in recent years upgrades the intelligence ships in two main areas: upgrading existing ships, including restoring previously put in the reserve, and constructing new ones, which, in turn, has been implemented for two units. After 2010, Naval Intelligence Centers were established as part of the naval fleets of Russia, which in turn subordinated the divisions of intelligence ships. In general, each intelligence ship squadron in the fleets has its own operational area, in which it carries out its tasks, that is, its own area of ​​responsibility:

1. 72nd Separate Division of special purpose ships of the Baltic Fleet Intelligence Center (Baltiysk) is the operational zone of the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas, the Atlantic Ocean.
   
2. 515th Separate Division of special purpose ships 1225 of the Pacific Fleet Intelligence Center (Vladivostok) – operational zone of the Sea of ​​Japan and East China, waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
   
3. 518th Separate Division of special purpose ships of the Northern Fleet Intelligence Center (Severomorsk) – the operational zone of the Atlantic Ocean and other areas.
   
4. 519th Separate Division of special purpose ships 1229 of the Black Sea Fleet Intelligence Center (Sevastopol) – the Black and Mediterranean operational area, other areas of the Atlantic Ocean.

But it often happens that ships perform tasks outside their area of ​​responsibility. In recent years, among them:

Medium intelligence Ship Priazovie, Viktor Leonov and Vasiliy Tatishchev are carrying out tasks in various points of the World Ocean which take between 6 to 8 months. Now let’s talk about the naval composition of the intelligence of the Russian Navy, following is a description each of the ships and its modern life:

1) Tracking Project 19141 ship Marshal Krylov of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1990. It is part of the 114th brigade of the ships for the protection of the water area of ​​the Group of Forces and Forces in north-east Russia (Kamchatka). In 2011 and 2012 it carried out combat tasks in the North Pacific. It took part in the testing of new ICBM “Bulava”. In the period from November 2014 to October 2018, Marshal Krylov underwent a deep modernization of the entire tracking complex at Dalzavod Ltd. in Vladivostok. As a result, its capabilities were significantly increased. In March 2019, media reported on plans for another modernization of the ship’s systems and facilities, in particular the Zefir-T complex.

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2). Project 1826 large intelligence ship SSV-571 White Sea of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1987. It is part of the 518th separate division of special purpose ships of the Northern Fleet Intelligence Center. In the 2000s, the ship was put into reserve, and in 2014, gradual repair work began to restore the ship’s technical readiness. In February 2019, engine repair was completed on the ship. There is also information about plans to modernize the radio system, the system should be returned to the ship in 2019.

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3) Project 1826 large intelligence ship SSV-80 “Baltic” of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1984. It is part of the 515th separate division of special purpose ships of the 1225 Pacific Fleet Intelligence Center. The ship is an active participant in the combat services and maneuvers of the Pacific Fleet. It is regularly involved in operations in the Sea of ​​Japan and the Pacific Ocean. In 2013, as part of a scheduled repair, the ship received a new shipborne satellite communications station, Centaur-NM2C. Prior to this, the SAILOR communication system was also installed. In 2016, the SSV-80 performed long-term tasks in the South Pacific. It is the flagship of the intelligence division.

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4) Project 12884 command ship Slavutich Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy. Built in 1992. Until 2014, it was part of the Ukrainian Navy. In March 2014, as part of the operation to return the Crimea to Russia, it actually became part of the Black Sea Fleet. Enrolled in the 30th division of surface ships as a command ship. Due to the lack of a decision on the future fate of the Ukrainian Navy ships located in Crimea, it is not being exploited. Requires repair and modernization of the technical equipment.

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5) Project 18280 medium intelligence ship Yury Ivanov of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 2014. It is part of the 518th separate division of special purpose ships of the Northern Fleet Intelligence Center. It is the first intelligence ship built in the modern history of new Russia. The most modern intelligence ship in the Navy. In the period between 2015-2018, it succesfully reportedly carried out combations operations twice. One of its longest combat operations was held in 2018-2019, when ”Yuri Ivanov” carried out tasks in the Mediterranean Sea and the central part of the Atlantic Ocean. In the spring of 2019, the ship also made the transition from Severomorsk to St. Petersburg to undergo a smooth repair.

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6) Project 18280 medium intelligence ship Ivan Khurs of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 2018. It is part of the 519th separate division of special purpose ships of the 1229 Center for Intelligence of the Black Sea Fleet. In July 2018, it took part in the Main Naval Parade of the Russian Navy in Kronstadt for the first time. The first combat operation of the ship took place from September to December 2018 as part of the transition from Baltiysk to Sevastopol. In March-April 2019, the ship carried out missions in the Black Sea for the first time during NATO naval exercises. It is the flagship of the intelligence division.

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7) Project 864 medium intelligence ship Priazovie of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1987. It is part of the 519th separate division of special purpose ships of the 1229 Center for Intelligence of the Black Sea Fleet. In the period 2014-2017, the ship’s communication systems were upgraded. In 2013-2014, it performed tasks at various points in the World Ocean for a long time. In 2014, it participated in the operation of returning Crimea to the Russian Federation. After 2015, it twice carried out tasks as part of the Russian Navy Task Force. In April 2015, the ship evacuated more than 300 people (citizens of 19 states) from Yemen to Djibouti due to the exacerbation of the situation. At the end of December 2018, the ship entered combat service in the Mediterranean where it still is.

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8) Project 864 medium intelligence ship SSV-208 Kurils of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1987. It is part of the 515th separate division of special purpose ships of the 1225 Pacific Fleet Intelligence Center. In 2013-2014, after a scheduled repair, it received a new satellite communication station, Centaur-NM2C. The ship is the most active of the intelligence division. It is regularly involved in solving problems in the waters of the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and other areas.

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9) Project 864 medium intelligence ship SSV-535 Karelia of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1986. It is part of the 515th separate division of special purpose ships of the 1225 Pacific Fleet Intelligence Center. In June 2002, the ship was put into reserve and has not been used for a long time. In 2012, restoration work began on the ship, and by April 2017, the repairs at Dalzavod Ltd. in Vladivostok were completed. In the process of recovery, the ship received for service new radio communication systems, including the communication system “SAILOR” and the station for satellite communication “Centaur-NM2C”. Since September 2017, the ship has been actively carrying out tasks related to its intended purpose.

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10) Project 864 medium intelligence ship SSV-520 Admiral Fedor Golovin of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1985. It is part of the 72nd separate division of special purpose ships of the Baltic Fleet Intelligence Center. After 2013, the ship underwent repair and modernization of its technical equipment in Baltiysk (33 SRZ). As a result it received the communication system “SAILOR” and the station for satellite communication “Centaur-NM2C”. In 2016, it carried out combat operations in the far sea zone. Regularly involved in maneuvers in the Baltic Sea. In April 2019, the ship completed regular scheduled repairs in Kronstadt.

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11) Project 864 medium intelligence ship SSV-231 Vasily Tatishchev of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1988. It is part of the 72nd separate division of special purpose ships of the Baltic Fleet Intelligence Center. In 2015, the ship underwent repairs, and as a result of received the communication system “SAILOR” and the satellite communication station “Centaur-NM2C”. In 2015 and 2017, the ship carried out long-term combat operations in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In July 2017, it participated in the parade on the occasion of the Day of the Russian Navy in Tartus (Syria). In 2018, it participated in the Navy Parade in Baltiysk. Regularly involved in maneuvers in the Baltic Sea. In April 2019, it completed an operation in the Baltic Sea.

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12) Project 864 medium intelligence ship SSV-169 Tavria of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1987. It is part of the 518th separate division of special purpose ships of the Northern Fleet Intelligence Center. In the 2000s, the ship was put into reserve, and it no longer in use. Plans to restore its technical readiness are not reported yet. Based in Severomorsk. For a while it has been used a source for spare parts for the same type mid-range intelligence ship Viktor Leonov.

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13) Project 864 medium intelligence ship SSV-175 Viktor Leonov of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1988. It is part of the 518th separate division of special purpose ships of the Northern Fleet Intelligence Center. In 2013-2014, having completed the repair, it received a satellite communication station ”Centaur-NM2C”. In 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 the ship actively took part in combat operations in the Atlantic Ocean. It is worth noting that the Viktor Leonov, in recent years can rightfully be considered a champion in terms of miles traveled, with a total number exceeding 60,000.

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14) Project 862/2 medium intelligence ship Temryuk of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1983. It is part of the 29th separate division of special-purpose nuclear submarines based on the Olenya Bay. The only intelligence ship of its kind. In general terms it is a Hydrographic survey vessel, and takes part in technical support for nuclear submarines and deep water nuclear special-designation submarines, including vessel control.

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15) Project 861M medium intelligence ship Equator of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1968. It is part of the 519th separate division of special purpose ships of the 1229 Center for Intelligence of the Black Sea Fleet. In 2016 and 2018, it took part in combat operations in the Mediterranean sea. Regularly involved in the exercises and maneuvers of the Black Sea Fleet in the Black Sea. During 2014-2018, it repeatedly underwent repairs and deep modernization of the radio communications system, including having received the SAILOR and Auriga communication systems. Took part in the operation to return the Crimea to the Russian Federation. Between October 2018 to March 2019 the ship was upgraded, including with docking. There were reports regarding the possible retirement of the ship from the Navy in the coming years.

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16) Project 861M medium intelligence ship Kildin of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1970. It is part of the 519th separate division of special purpose ships of the 1229 Center for Intelligence of the Black Sea Fleet. In 2017 and 2018, it took part in combat operations in the Mediterranean Sea. In July 2018, it participated in the parade on the occasion of the Day of the Russian Navy in Tartus (Syria). During 2013-2017, it repeatedly underwent repairs and deep modernization of the radio communications system, including having received the SAILOR and Auriga communication systems. Nowadays it is actively used for its intended purpose.

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17) Project 07452 small intelligence ship GS-31 “Chusovoy” of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1987. It is part of the 518th separate division of special purpose ships of the Northern Fleet Intelligence Center. The ship actively carries out operations in the waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas according to its intended purpose. Participant in the maneuvers of the Northern Fleet. It was upgraded in 2016.

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18) Project 503R small intelligence ship Syzran of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1981. It is part of the 72nd separate division of special purpose ships of the Baltic Fleet Intelligence Center. In 2012, the ship underwent moderate repair work and its radio equipment was modernized. Regularly involved in operations in the Baltic Sea.

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19) Project 503R small intelligence ship Zhigulevsk of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1982. It is part of the 72nd separate division of special purpose ships of the Baltic Fleet Intelligence Center. In 2017, it participated in the parade for the Day of the Russian Navy in Baltiysk. In 2018-2019, it underwent scheduled repairs. Regularly involved in operations in the Baltic Sea.

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20) Project 1824B small intelligence ship Uglomer of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy. It was commissioned in the Navy in 1989. It is part of the 515th separate division of special purpose ships of the 1225 Pacific Fleet Intelligence Center. The ship is kept in technical readiness, takes part in the Navy Day in Vladivostok almost every year. Takes part in missions in the near sea area.

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It should be recalled that in April 2017, Project 861M intelligence ship Liman project861M of the Black Sea Fleet was destroyed in a collision with a civilian vessel in the Black Sea. Later the ship was completely destroyed due to the presence of secret equipment on board and the radio communication system. In December 2018, the newest intelligence ship Ivan Khurs of the project 18280 replaced it.