Selection of New Russian Port Defence Systems shown at Vyborg in Baltic
Russia’s annual Navy Day parades have given way to small-scale demonstrations of port defence technologies designed to counter Ukrainian threats. In Vyborg near St. Petersberg, the Governor of the Leningrad Region Alexander Drozdenko viewed a selection of hopeful designs.
The display took place at a small marina in the vicinity of 60.7172, 28.7469, just 1.8 km away from where the capsized hull of Pr.23550 arctic patrol ship Purga (475) is still there after it was struck by Ukrainian drones (UAVs) on 25th March this year.
Floating Fire Support pontoons – PLOT 40 & 47
One of the systems shown was a floating platform, called PLOT-40, with a sloping sides superstructure which resembles the Confederate iron-clad CSS Virginia which battled the USS Monitor in 1862. More modern however, PLOT-40 has a remote weapon station on the roof to engage surface and air targets. It is something of a floating sentry box, intended to protect naval bases, port infrastructure, and fuel and energy facilities from modern [Ukrainian] threats.
Artwork displayed used the name PLOT-40 but posts from Governor Drozdenko’s account said “PLOT-47”. It is unclear which is correct, or whether both PLOT-40 and 47 are versions of the same project.
Construction of the prototype was done in the St. Petersberg region, and it has reportedly received preliminary approval from the relevant Naval Research Institute.
New Uncrewed Surface Vessel
Somewhat more conventional, a small unnamed USV (uncrewed surface vessel) was displayed with ‘испытание’ written on the side, which loosely translates to ‘Experimental’.
The design is broadly conventional with no superstructure and an A-frame mast with surface-search radar and electro-optical camera ball. It is unclear whether it is intended merely for patrol, or to directly engage surface threats by ramming them.
Barrier Boats
A novel idea is this floating barrier possibly intended to prevent enemy surface drones from accessing the harbour. Two hulls were shown, one monohull and one catamaran. They are very small and looks like it might get blown around a lot. Its usefulness is open to question.
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