However, the reception for the Russian warships was markedly different compared to the significantly more enthusiastic welcome given to the Chinese Navy training vessels that had docked at the same location just a few days earlier. Why?
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Warships from the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet, namely RFS GROMKIY (335), RFS REZKIY (343), RFS ALDAR TSYDENZHAPOV (339), and PECHENGA, have arrived at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in Penang.
The arrival of the Russian Navy ships was welcomed by a Royal Malaysian Navy delegation led by Captain Yusman bin Darmawan, Chief of Staff of the Naval Region 3 Headquarters, along with representatives from the Russian Embassy in Malaysia.
However, the reception for the Russian warships was markedly different compared to the vibrant and much grander welcome extended to the Chinese Navy’s academy training ships at the same location just a few days earlier. The question is, why?
The operational visit by the Russian Navy, aside from resupply and crew rest, coincides with the Memorial Ceremony of the 110th Anniversary of the Death of the Russian Sailor, which will be held at two locations around Penang.
The three Russian Navy warships, RFS GROMKIY (335), RFS REZKIY (343), and RFS ALDAR TSYDENZHAPOV (339), are Steregushchiy-class corvettes, designated by the Russian Navy as Project 20380 vessels.
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These ships were designed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau.
Although the Russian Navy classifies these Steregushchiy-class ships as corvettes, NATO refers to them as frigates due to their size and displacement.
The Russian Navy has announced plans to acquire 30 Steregushchiy-class corvettes for its four fleets, with the first vessel in this class commissioned in 2007.
Weighing 2,200 tons and carrying a crew of 90, these corvettes were built by the Severnaya Verf and Amur Shipyard.
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According to Western defense media, their armament systems include a 100mm or 130mm main gun, a Kashtan Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) or two AK630M CIWS, eight KH-35 anti-ship missile launchers, and a “Redut” air defense system.
Additionally, they are equipped with Paket-NK torpedo launchers, launchers for the Orlan-10 drone system, and a Ka-27 helicopter.
The Steregushchiy-class corvettes also feature the TK-25E-5 ECM electronic warfare suite. — DSA