According to information published by Tass on June 7, 2022, the first test flight of the latest ship-based drone is scheduled for 2025. Batch production is to begin in 2026.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link
Model of the Russian Project 23900 amphibious assault ship (Picture source: Forums.airbase.ru)
The rough design of attack and reconnaissance ship-based drones will begin in the second half of the year and the project is to be ready in 2024. “In 2025, design documentation will be finalized and prepared for production will begin,” the source said.
Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu visited the drone plant of Kronshtadt Company in Dubna on January 27 and said the facility would be able to produce ship-based helicopter drones.
A defense industry source told that the Ivan Rogov and the Mitrofan Moskalenko universal amphibious assault ships of project 23900 built by Zaliv Shipyard in Crimea will carry attack and reconnaissance drones and helicopters.
About Project 23900 amphibious assault ships
The Project 23900 Ivan Rogov is the newest class of Russian amphibious assault ships intended as a replacement for the French Mistral-class, two of which were ordered by Russia in 2011, but that France refused to deliver in September 2014 due to Russia's invasion and annexation of Crimea.
A contract was signed on 22 May 2020 for the construction of two Project 23900 ships with a displacement of 40,000 tons. The construction is led by JSC Zelenodolsk Design Bureau, which is a part of JSC Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation, and the first vessel should be launched by 2023 and commissioned by 2025.
