Navy Rescue Vessel To Get Two Mini-subs

 A Russian Navy search and rescue vessel will be equipped with two unique deepwater submersibles, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

The Igor Belousov, currently under construction, will have two ARS-600 two-seat submersibles, designed to perform an array of functions, including search, rescue and salvage of submarines in distress.

The Russian Defense Ministry decided in 2011 to equip the ship with a deep-sea diving system produced by Scottish firm DIVEX, which will be delivered, installed, and tested by experts from a Russian company, Tetis Pro. At present, all Russian fleets have British-built Panther Plus and Tiger submersibles in service.

Construction of the Igor Belousov started in 2005 at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg but has faced a series of setbacks.