Russia has decided to purchase a second domestically produced Ivan Gren–class tank-landing ship now that delivery of two large amphibious-assault ships from France appears unlikely in the near future due to international pressure over the situation in Ukraine. The 6,000-ton (full load) Ivan Gren class is being built in Kaliningrad and remains one of the few options available as the Russian fleet attempts to increase amphibious lift and assault capabilities. These new LSTs are capable of carrying around 36 armored personnel carriers and up to 300 troops. The first unit, pictured here while under construction in mid-2012, was laid down in December 2004 but has yet to enter service despite more than a decade of construction. These and other domestic shipbuilding challenges were likely a major factor that previously led the Russians to view foreign shipyards as a solution to fill their amphibious gap. Despite an order for a second unit of the Ivan Gren class, however, the new Russian LSTs will not be able to replace the far larger French Mistral-class ships, which at 21,000 tons displace nearly four times as much as the Ivan Grens and carry an air group of more than 20 helicopters for assault operations.
In December India announced its intention to order 16 Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk helicopters to meet future military requirements for an advanced maritime helicopter capable of antisubmarine operations, antisurface warfare, and other naval missions. Although the specific equipment fit has yet to be selected, the new aircraft are expected to have modern sonar and radar systems as well as the capability to launch air-to-surface missiles and torpedoes. In recent years India has worked to boost its domestic shipbuilding industry while also enhancing its maritime-patrol and submarine-hunting capabilities through the acquisition of new P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft from the United States and new Scorpène-class submarines being built with French assistance. Several different variants of the successful S-70 maritime helicopter are currently operational or on order with the navies of more than ten nations, including Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Japan, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey. The U.S. Navy operates the helicopter as the MH-60R, pictured here, and the MH-60S variant. In addition to the 16 helicopters planned for Indian service, options for an additional 8 units may be exercised in the future.
Colombia has taken delivery of the retired Donghae-class corvette Anyang from South Korea and has renamed her the Nariño. In service since 1983, the 1,000-ton craft was decommissioned and later transferred to the South American nation on 4 October. Previously armed with a mix of guns, torpedoes, and depth charges, the Nariño may also be fitted with antiship missiles in Colombian service. Three other members of the class were built for South Korea in the early 1980s, including the first-in-class Donghae and sisters Suwon and Kangreung, the latter pictured here in 2008.