Desires and reality. Construction of the Ukrainian Navy base in Berdyansk

A boat of the "Gyurza-M" type is being tested. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

Several years ago, the military and political leadership of Ukraine decided to strengthen the presence of its naval forces in the Sea of ​​Azov. For this, it was proposed to build and commission a new naval base in the city of Berdyansk. The construction of such an object began not so long ago and has not yet been completed. The project regularly encounters various difficulties, and in addition, it has dubious prospects and value.

Desires and actions

The fundamental decision to create a new base on the shores of the Sea of ​​Azov was made back in 2016-17 as part of the general work on the formation of a new Ukrainian Maritime Doctrine. Until that time, the Azov coast was covered only by a small border detachment of boats and ships with very limited capabilities. Due to the new naval base, it was proposed to significantly increase the protection of the coast.

The port of Berdyansk, which already has the necessary infrastructure, was chosen to accommodate the new base. Over the next few years, it was planned to carry out its reconstruction with the transfer of some of the facilities to the jurisdiction of the Navy. Then, they were going to transfer to Berdyansk some objects and structures from the existing naval base "Skhid" ("Vostok") from the city of Nikolaev, and also to form the so-called. division of ships of the Azov Sea.

The first organizational measures were taken back in 2018. So, in the fall, the first ships and boats were sent to the base under construction in Berdyansk. The transfer of combat and auxiliary units was not without troubles. In November 2018, two boats and a tug, while transferring to a new naval base, deliberately violated the rules of navigation and invaded Russian waters, after which they were detained.

Despite the transfer of ships and boats, the real work on the reconstruction and creation of the base began only last year. In April 2020, it was reported that by the end of the year, the Berdyansk commercial port will transfer the necessary facilities to the Navy, and during 2021 the reconstruction and restructuring of infrastructure will be carried out. The project cost was estimated at UAH 553 million (approx. RUB 1,5 billion).

One of the boats of the project 58155 in Berdyansk, 2020 Photo of the OP of Ukraine

The specified timeframe for the work is coming to an end, but the new naval base "Vostok" has not yet acquired the desired appearance. In this regard, the new leadership of the Ministry of Defense recently ordered to speed up construction. Most likely, it will not be possible to complete the work by the end of this year, as planned earlier.

Forces and means

The new naval base is being built on the basis of the existing infrastructure of the Berdyansk commercial port. More than 3 hectares of areas and several hundred meters of the berthing line have been allocated for military use. In the past, mention was made of the possibility of allocating new space for the creation of the necessary facilities and the deployment of additional units.

It is planned to deploy a headquarters and auxiliary units at the naval base "Skid". The main forces of the base will include a battalion of combat boats and ships, as well as an auxiliary division. It is planned to assign several units and formations of coastal troops to the base - a marine brigade and artillery units. In the long term, it was proposed to supplement the surface and coastal forces of the sea aviation.

The naval base of the base is not yet distinguished by its large size or high combat qualities. There are only four armored boats pr. 58155 "Gyurza-M" with artillery weapons. Also, the command ship (former floating workshop) "Donbass" and two tugboats - "Korets" and "Yany Kapu" were transferred to Berdyansk.

In the near future, the command plans to increase the number of pennants. Such tasks will be solved, first of all, with the help of Gyurza-M boats - by building new ones or transferring existing ones from other naval bases. Transfer of new auxiliary vessels for various purposes is possible.

Control ship "Donbass". Photo Wikimedia Commons

There are big plans for foreign-made equipment. So, since 2019, the Ukrainian Navy has been receiving American Island-class patrol boats. There is also an agreement for the transfer of 16 Mark VI boats. As previously reported, some of the boats of these types will be transferred to Berdyansk, where they will supplement the Ukrainian-built equipment and strengthen the new naval base.

Plans and reality

The Ukrainian military and political leadership has repeatedly spoken about the importance of the new Berdyansk naval base. It is designed to cover the Azov coast of the country from the notorious aggression of Russia or the unrecognized republics, and must also protect shipping in the nearest waters. Accordingly, the naval base "Vostok" is almost of strategic importance.

At the same time, the base in Berdyansk will not remain the only one of its kind. A similar construction is planned to be carried out in Mariupol. It is expected that the deployment of a large number of boats, several ships and support vessels in the two ports will significantly increase safety in the east.

It should be admitted that the Ukrainian assessments are to some extent true. Indeed, due to new bases and boats, the Ukrainian Navy will be able to dramatically increase its presence in the Sea of ​​Azov. However, the expected growth in indicators will be a manifestation of the so-called. low base effect. Until 2018, the entire Azov "fleet" of Ukraine consisted of only a few border boats, and therefore any relatively modern combat unit acquires great importance of a quantitative and qualitative nature.

Achieving other successes - and even completing the assigned tasks on time - is hampered by a standard set of problems in modern Ukraine. The construction and equipment of the bases is faced with a lack of funding, exacerbated by corruption at all levels, as well as organizational and technological problems, etc. As a result, construction in Berdyansk has not yet been completed, and literally on the eve of the planned date of delivery, the command has to give orders to accelerate the work.

Island boats handed over to Ukraine in 2019 Photo of the OP of Ukraine

Only boats of different projects with limited combat capabilities will serve as part of the new formations and bases. The deployment and use of larger and better armed ships is rendered impossible due to the limited depths of the Sea of ​​Azov. In addition, Ukraine could have problems with their transfer through the Kerch Strait.

Limitations and risks

Thus, Ukraine continues to build a new naval base in Berdyansk and has every chance of completing it in the foreseeable future. Then all the required boats and ships are expected to arrive, but these processes may stretch over the next several years. As a result of all these events, the Ukrainian Navy is expected to significantly strengthen its presence in the Sea of ​​Azov and improve operational capabilities.

However, the project is faced with a number of serious problems and objective constraints, which now impede construction, and in the future will worsen the combat potential of new bases and formations. In particular, boats with limited characteristics and combat capabilities, capable of solving only individual tasks, will still remain the basis of the grouping.

In fact, all the work of the Azov "fleet»Will be reduced to patrolling water areas and covering the coast or trade routes - with limited results. However, other events are also possible. For example, the possibility of new provocations like the incident of 2018 cannot be ruled out. With all their limitations, the boats "Gyurza-M" or Island will cope with such "work". And their basing on the Sea of ​​Azov will make it possible to arrange provocations more often and more actively.

There is every reason to believe that during the construction of the "Skid" naval base, military tasks come to the fore, and politics and finance are the main ones. So, with the help of such construction, the Kiev authorities once again vividly demonstrate their intention to develop their armed forces and take care of national security, and also exponentially declare their readiness to confront Russia and the unrecognized republics. At the same time, construction requires appropriate financing - and interested parties will not miss their opportunity to “make money” on this.

Comments

[mitroha]

Outskirts officials work faster and more efficiently than builders. Let it stay that way

[Vladimir Vladimirovich Vorontsov]

Ukraine could have problems with their transfer through the Kerch Strait

***
MARINE BATTLE UNDER THE BRIDGE

(November 2018)

---

Twenty Pairs of Lace Briefs

And one battle toilet

Lost in an unequal battle

Ukrainian maritime special forces ...

©
***

[Ros 56]

New targets are mapped.

[Vladimir61]

Interesting! How many dozen of these Island boats can fit on Abramovich's yacht?

[tralflot1832]

Specify on which yacht? He has these yachts like shoe polish in a shoe polish factory.

[Andrei Nikolaevich]

But the Sea of ​​Azov is a puddle. Even I understand that. And the sea is closed. Why do they need a base in the closed sea?

[SKVichyakow]

Quote: Andrey Nikolaevich

But the Sea of ​​Azov is a puddle. Even I understand that. And the sea is closed. Why do they need a base in the closed sea?

Schaub boulo And then they have e, and theirs is dumb.

[Andrei Nikolaevich]

Quite logical and comprehensive answer.)

[lopuhan2006]

It is rather a Home Point. It will be enough to control vessels and fishing together with Mariupol. There are enough boats for this. Of course, they will be able to create a provocation with a signal from above, but this has not yet happened, which means that the instincts of self-preservation are still present. There will be enough weapons on these boats for any of our PSKR, but I think that they themselves understand that this is a one-way ticket. For Ukraine, this project is like a PR and, along the way, a solution to border issues, moreover, self-sufficient in the current realities.

[RoTTor]

And shit on the "damned aggressors",
- and interfere with commercial shipping to Taganrog, Azov, Rostov-on-Don?
- and to eradicate the last fish stocks of the once generous with the valuable fish of the Azov Sea?
- but to scare away vacationers from the resorts of the Russian coast of the Azov Sea.
Well, to arrange provocations at the command of overseas hUzayev.

But. IMPORTANTLY, on the construction of the so-called naval base, have time to steal as much as possible before this comedy with independence ends

[Jekakiller258]

Because these troughs in the open sea are SCARY ...

[Seamaster]

The main thing for this fleet is not to get involved in a squadron battle with one Russian armored personnel carrier. The results will be dire.

[singless]

500 million hryvnia for paint, the rest for toilet paper

[RoTTor]

All this hysteria with a strange 8-year war WITHOUT COMBAT, and this comedy with the construction of the so-called naval base in order to manage to steal as much as possible before this comedy with independence ends

[Vladimir Mashkov]

Or maybe they will build it ... If they have time!

[Scharnhorst]

There are only four armored boats pr. 58155 "Gyurza-M" with artillery weapons. Also, the command ship (former floating workshop) "Donbass" and two tugboats - "Korets" and "Yany Kapu" were transferred to Berdyansk.

Is this accurate information and am I missing something? I remember there were reports that boats were dragged by land to the Sea of ​​Azov. And when and how did the three auxiliary ships appear there?

[RoTTor]

can get there - by prior request and permission of the port authorities of the port of Kerch.

[APASUS]

Normally, they have so the quay wall in the port is cast. Is it by eye or what, were the concrete work carried out?

[Evil troll]

Holds up and okay.

[ja-ja-vw]

Do you think we are straightforward?
Nope

[maxim1987]

Eh, Berdyansk! I rested there in 2010. The town is shabby, but the Sea of ​​Azov, on the spit, is the best place I've been

[RoTTor]

A true Russian city, port and wonderful resort.
It's time to return home!

[Saladine]

Ukrainians almost turned Sevastopol into Berdyansk ...

[Markus wolf]

The naval base on the Sea of ​​Azov is similar to the base on the Kakhovskoye reservoir ... It is possible, but why ?? !! The Azov Sea is a resort sea. But this concept is not for dill ...

[Borisych]

Battery of Tornadoes and there is no Berdyansk, after all, the admirals of the Ukrainian fleet will come up with it.

[RoTTor]

Why should YOUR OWN - in the not distant past and in the near inevitable future, spoil, all the more, destroy ???

[RoTTor]

The Naval Forces of Ukraine and other instructors on Azov will have no service,
and an eternal holiday - at the resort of Berdyansk, which they will dirtiest.

And the former "Leninskaya Forge" shipyard, stolen from the state, by an insatiable raking in powder, has new orders for the useless viper river boats-freaks "Gyurza", which were abandoned by countries even far from the fleet of Central Asia.
They will be screwed there dry.
Or another provocation will be staged in the Kerch Strait.

[RoTTor]

Didn't pay attention to the main thing:
under the "azovska fleet of the Navy" they take away the priceless mooring front in a normal country, part of the infrastructure and area of ​​the old Berdyansk sea trade port.
This means that the sea trade of Ukraine is krants.
The main cargo of the sea trade port of Mariupol is export coal from the Russian Kuzbass, which now goes the other way.

The Azov Shipping Company, which Ukraine inherited from the RI-USSR, was plundered and destroyed a long time ago, and its remarkable last boss was treacherously killed in ... Kiev.
Why the ports of the near-sea riverside country, which plundered the entire huge fleet received in 1991?

[Diverter]

from the point of view of a normal state, a normal and correct decision. For example, drive smugglers and poachers, etc.
From the point of view of 404 - incredible stupidity. Because after the start of the serious databases they are planning, the rest of the Donetsk region (I think before the Dnieper))) will become part of the DPR So there is no point in building.

burn them in hell for the death of RUSSIAN CHILDREN!

[eehnie]

Each time there are more and more chances to see aid to the Donetsk and Lugansk Republics with sea-based materials. The West provided Ukraine with sea-based auxiliary materials, but still not sea-based combat materials. It would be logical to see a symmetrical response from Russia.

Russia is well aware that the defense of the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics, Abkhazia and South Ossetia by the same military standards contributes to Russia's own defense.

The West would prefer the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics to fall into poverty, be isolated and militarily poorly equipped. But Russia is unlikely to allow this to happen. Economically, Russia was recent, and militarily, it is very likely that the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics will raise the level of the lowest technological level of some of their arsenals to current Russian standards.

There are only two conditions to achieve it:

1.-) The Donetsk and Luhansk Republics are likely to follow Russia's lead, helping Syria with less modern, less advanced, less powerful and less capable material that is completely withdrawn from the Russian Armed Forces.
2.-) Russia's assistance to the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics will most likely avoid projects that will be completely withdrawn from the Russian Armed Forces in the near future. This is a material that will help allies with other standards like Syria.

In the case of heavy auxiliary material, as in the case of portable weapons and light auxiliary material, sometimes the same designs can be found in the Russian security forces or in other government agencies. The use for aid of this generic material, which meets military standards, but is of civilian origin, is highly likely to avoid the consequences of depletion in the arsenals of the Russian Armed Forces. In fact, this means the militarization of civilian material that meets Russian military standards.

At the same time, of the available options, corresponding to the previous comments, projects that were stopped earlier are likely to be used for hlep earlier. This is correct management.

All this makes the fact that with regard to heavy auxiliary material sea-based, the most likely assistance to the Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk or Abkhazia will be:

1.-) Project 1415: Units of the Russian Coast Guard (full displacement 42 tons for the patrol version).
2.-) Project 745: Units of the Russian Coast Guard (full displacement of 1620 tons for the patrol version).

Then one could start talking about help from the Russian navy, but that might be too long to be well explained in one comment.

(Automatically translated from English. Below is the original commentary in English)

Every time is more likely to see help to the Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk with sea based material. The West provided to Ukraine sea based auxiliary material, but not still sea based combat material. It would be logical to see a symmetric answer by Russia.

Russia understands well that the defense of the Republics of Donetsk, Luganks, Abkhazia and South Ossetia under the same military standards, contributes to the own defense of Russia.

The West would prefer the Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk to fall into poverty, to be isolated, and to be very pooly equipped in military terms. But it is unlikely Russia allows it to happen. In economic terms Russia acted recently and in military terms, very likely, the Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk will raise the level of the lowest technological level part of its arsenals until the current Russian standards.

To achieve it, there are only two conditions:

1.-) The Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk will very likely follow Russia helping to Syria with the less modern, less advanced, less powerful and less capable material that gets totally out of the Russian Armed Forces.
2.-) The help of Russia to the Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk very likely will avoid the projects that will be totally out of the Russian Armed Forces imminently. This is material to help to allies with different standards, like Syria.

In the case of the heavy auxiliary material, like in the case of the man-portable armament and the light auxiliary material, sometimes is possible to find the same projects in the Russian security forces or in other government agencies. The use for help of this common material, that meet the military standards but is of civil origin, is very likely in order to avoid attrition effects in the arsenals of the Russian Armed Forces. In fact it means a militarization of civil material that meets the Russian military standards.

At the same time, between the available options that meet the previous comments, the projects which production stopped earlier are likely to be used for hlep before. It is right management.

All it makes that in the referred to heavy sea based auxiliary material, the most likely help to the Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk or to Abkhazia be:

1.-) Project 1415: Units from the Russian Coast Guard (42 tons full displacement for the patrol variant).
2.-) Project 745: Units from the Russian Coast Guard (1620 tons full displacement for the patrol variant).

Then it would be possible to begin to talk about help from the Russian Navy, but it can be too long to explain well in a single comment.

[ja-ja-vw]

If you read carefully, many paragraphs repeat each other. Having mastered everything: it turned out, as if I had learned a verse before the exam. I can boil an article 4 times shorter for memory about the same thing.