Earlier this year, Russia announced that it would be adding 15 new ships to its Black Sea Fleet over the next decade. While some analysts thought that may be overambitious, Moscow now seems to be thinking even bigger. Interfax reports that the expansion will now be 18 ships. Via Reuters:
The fleet has fallen into disrepair and many of the vessels are not seaworthy, but Russia plans to modernise it and add at least six frigates and six diesel-powered submarines, Interfax cited a source in Russia's naval command as saying.
"In accordance with the State Armament Programme from 2011 to 2020, the Black Sea Fleet will receive 18 new vessels," the source was quoted as saying.
The source said the fleet would also get upgraded Sukhoi-24M bombers to replace older versions now in use. A navy spokesman declined to comment on the news agency report.
Given that the original plans appeared to call for five submarines, this would represent an increase of one submarine, but it's not clear what the other two "new" ships would be.
Joshua Kucera, a senior correspondent, is Eurasianet's former Turkey/Caucasus editor and has written for the site since 2007.
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