For the first time since 1890, the Russian Navy, led by Deputy
Chief of the Russian Pacific Fleet, Vice-Admiral (VADM) Sergey V
Avramenko, visited Singapore on 7 Nov.
Speaking to the media at Changi Naval Base, VADM Avramenko said he
hoped the visit would pave the way for the Russian Navy and the
Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) to train together in future.
Although the Russian Navy has been calling on ports in Asia over
the past few decades, it has not had the opportunity to call on
Singapore.
Some of the 500 crew on board the Varyag.
"This is the first time," said VADM Avramenko, "the first time we
dropped anchor here, the first time we looked into the eyes of each
other and the first time we shook hands with each other."
VADM Avramenko led four ships, which included the guided-missile
cruiser Varyag and anti-submarine vessel Tributc and 1500 personnel
for this visit.
While in Singapore, the Russian delegation had several meetings
with RSN officials.
And when will they next visit Singapore?
"Much earlier than 115 years," quipped VADM Avramenko.
The Varyag has 16 missile launchers, eight on each side.
The Russian guided-missile cruiser Varyag
VADM Avramenko hosted the media visit to Varyag, a 15-year-old
guided-missile cruiser. She is named after a 1904 cruiser and
Varyag means "ancient warrior" in Russian.
The ship weighs 11000 tonnes and is 186 metres long. It can ferry
up to 500 crew and travel at a maximum speed of 33 knots.
Varyag is armed with several weapon systems like the Cruise missile
system, which can launch missiles with a range of 550km, an
anti-aircraft missile system and a range of 30mm to 130mm artillery
weapons. It also has a K-27 helicopter on board. - Cyberpioneer
