Any flagship of Russian Black Sea Fleet is symbolic for both Russia and her neighbours. It was just few days ago, Moskva spearheaded the attack on Mariupol. Unexpectedly there was an explosion on board causing serious damage afterwards, while being towed towards nearby port it sank. What caused the fire? Doubling down why Russia is salvaging wreckage? Dip into this mystery:
Moskva the 12,000 tonne missile cruiser was built in Kommunara shipbuilding plant in Mykolaiv, Ukraine successfully launched in 1979 and later commissioned by Soviet Navy in 1983. Used on several naval engagements by Russia the last one was of historic note: facilitating fall of Mariupol. Her next project was to soften any opposition in Odessa.
Russian version
An unexpected fire close to the ammunition storage ignited an explosion causing irreparable damage to the ship. Subsequently being towed to nearby port it tipped on one side due to rough sea conditions and sank afterwards. The entire crew was evacuated.
Ukraine version
Moskva was targeted for as revenge attack over Mariupol two Neptune missiles that caused the blast resulting in explosion and the sinking.
Analysis
Neptune missile is land based anti-ship ordinance with a range of 280 km, carrying payload of explosives of 135 kilos. Combined together that is 270 kilos that is insufficient to cause the kind of explosion observed on board of Moskva. As regards to location of ship cruising just 90, Km away from the Ukrainian coast brings it within the range of Neptune missile, none the less.
There are two doubts cast on the Ukrainian version:
One, there is no satellite trace of missiles fired from anywhere in Ukraine towards the southern coast of Black Sea parallel to Crimea. Neither there was any electronic signature traced for long-range missile fired from elsewhere in Ukraine or nearby NATO countries.
Two, Moskva is protected by a three-tiered defence system that is medium, short and nearby. The array of defence armoury consists of Vulcan anti-ship missiles and others that could target both submarines and torpedoes. The nearby defence is remarkable in that it creates hell-fire of bullets fired 5,000 a minute that could wipe-out any and every naval assets surrounding the ship in close range.
Strategy findings
Russians are masters of maskirovka strategy. They let the narrative of Neptune missiles and Ukraine launching these that caused the fire. Once the narrative has finished its attention span they got into normal business. This time, they have started a salvage operation led by Kommuna the oldest operative salvager that is 110 years old to skim through to fish out and bring to surface hitherto unknown items.
It may be a doomsday weapon or may be some equipment that is too advanced in technology. One guess is the upgraded version of Poseidon missile which is described as an Intercontinental Nuclear-Powered Nuclear-Armed Autonomous Torpedo being in the weapons hold.
This giant torpedo can make short work of large coastal cities. Once fired it is unstoppable and move much faster than earlier models. Read in reference to the recent quip by Putin that Russia possesses technology that Americans are three decades behind, I surmise Moskva had unusual weapon system that was vital for Odessa Project. Either there was a hidden hand behind this gory affair or just a subterfuge by Kremlin. Whatever the mystery one thing is certain Odessa Attack is postponed but not wiped off the slate!
Cheers!
Muthu
Ashraff Rajulu
Business Strategist
Mobile: + 94 777 265677
E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com
Blog: Business Strategist
No comments:
Post a Comment