Russian Navy to Receive Three Karakurt-Class Small Missile Ships in 2023

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Navy plans to receive three small missile ships of project 22800 Karakurt in 2023 that are able to conduct high precision missile strikes, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday.

These ships are able to conduct high precision missile strikes against critical objects on land and enemy ships in sea in the near sea zone.

"In July, the Black Sea fleet received serial ship Cyclone. Three ships are expected to be commissioned to the navy by the end of this year. Two more will be commissioned in 2024," Shoigu reported.

On Sunday, Russia celebrated Navy Day which was founded in 2006 to commemorate the heroes of the Great Northern War when the Russian fleet was created.

The Main Naval Parade took place on the Neva River in St. Petersburg. Russian President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin congratulated the crews of the battleships and reviewed the ceremony from a presidential boat.

"Today, Russia is implementing the tasks of a large-scale maritime policy with confidence, consistently building up the power of its fleet. This year alone, 30 ships of different types will join it," Putin stated in his speech at the parade.

In total, 45 combat ships and submarines with around 3,000 servicemen of the Northern, Pacific, Baltic and Black Sea Fleets took part in the celebrations.