Russian Navy to launch first Project 23370M modular cutter

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced it would launch the first Project 23370M modular cutter in Murmansk, Russia on September 24.

SMK-2176, as the lead boat in the class is named, is one of three next-generation multifunctional search-and-rescue cutters the Russian Navy intends to put into service by 2018.

The Russian Navy already operates 12 Project 2337o cutters which entered service between 2014 and 2015.

According to the Russian Navy, improved Project 23370M cutters distinguish themselves from their predecessors through increased dimensions, better seaworthiness, greater speed and improved operational capacities.

The modular catamarans will be used by the navy as platforms for diving and search and rescue operations, fire fighting and environmental protection operations.

Once the SMK-2176 is launched, it will undergo sea trials before joining the Russian Northern Fleet. The other two cutters will join the Pacific Fleet and will be based in Vladivostok and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the Russian Ministry of Defense said.