A source associated with the Russian military industrial complex confirms that the new vessel will replace three classes of current Navy vessels – the destroyers, the anti-submarine ships and possibly also the missile cruisers of the 1164 project (Slava Class).
The construction of the new destroyers might start in 2012, newspaper Izvestia reports.
-This will be a universal vessel, which can replace all three projects, the source told the newspaper. –In terms of its modern armament, it will outdo the anti-submarine vessels, and in terms of power and anti-aircraft capacities – also the current destroyers and missile cruisers, with exception of the “Peter the Great” and its fellow class vessels, he adds.
The main asset of the vessels will be its universal weapon complex which can apply various missiles and missile torpedoes, as well as a new generation of anti-aircraft defence system, Izvestia reports
As reported by Interfax, the new ships are likely to be nuclear-powered. A total of 14-16 vessels are planned built over the next 15-20 years.
As BarentsObserver previously reported, Russia is also in the process of developing new classes of frigates and corvettes.
Read also: Russia launches new frigate class
The new destroyer will be built with the newest communications technology and will have so-called “stealth” qualities, making it hard to trace by radars, Newsru.com reports.
-It is needed because it will give the surface fleet the necessary combat force, as well as protection against enemy aircrafts, the representative of the military industrial complex argues.
