Russia’s nuclear battle cruiser enters dry-dock
The Russian navy’s “Pyotr Veliky” needs extensive modernization, according to Moscow-based expert.
The huge battle cruiser enters the largest dry-dock Russia has north of the Arctic Circle, at shipyard No. 82 in Roslyakovo north of Murmansk.
Navy spokesperson Vadim Serga says to RIA Novostithe maintenance is in accordance with the original plans for the vessel.
Dock-repair work this autumn
Powered by two nuclear reactors, “Pyotr Veliky” is the flagship of the Northern fleet, with Severomorsk as homeport.
With dock-repair work on the haul this autumn, the battle cruiser could be sailing until 2018 when a larger overhaul and re-equipment is planned to take place at the Sevmash naval yard in Severodvinsk, the Moscow Times reports.
Speaking to the newspaper, Maxim Shepovalenko with the Centre for the Analysis of Strategies and Technologies says Russia’s naval rearmament program stipulates for new destroyers and cruisers in the late 2020s.
Until then, the “Pyotr Veliky” will sail the world’s oceans from the Kola Peninsula.
Related stories from around the North:
Asia: Asia ahead on preparing for polar climate change, says U.S. Arctic rep, Eye on the Arctic
Canada: Arctic Council Ministerial – Winners and Losers, Blog by Heather Exner-Pirot
Denmark: Nordics to step up security cooperation on perceived Russian threat, Yle News
Finland: Finland confirms 6th Russian airspace violation in just over a year, Yle News
Norway: Norway must ramp up military in response to Russia: report, Barents Observer
Russia: Russian governor praises role of Barents Cooperation, Barents Observer
Sweden: New security landscape in the Arctic, Radio Sweden
United States: U.S. general says Alaska military cuts not final without Arctic plan, Alaska Public Radio Network
