Article Posted on : - Feb 28, 2014

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia has launched construction of a new class of patrol ship Vasily Bykov - the first diesel-powered Project 22160 patrol vessel, a media report said.

The lead vessel in the new class of patrol ships was laid down in a ceremony at Russia's Zelenodolsky shipyard on Wednesday, a RIA Novosti report said.

The Vasily Bykov will feature a helicopter landing pad on its aft deck, according to the Severnoye Design Bureau, the vessel's designer.

The 1,300-ton ship will have a range of 6,000 nautical miles and be armed with a single 57mm cannon, heavy machine guns, air defence systems and optional missile launchers, it said.

The new class of ship will be used for economic zone patrol, search-and-rescue operations, anti-piracy and anti-smuggling activities, environmental monitoring, as well as coastal defence and escort service, it added.

The report quoting a navy spokesperson said six ships of the class are expected to be built by 2019.