Russia to Buy Icelandic Underwater Drones

By The Moscow Times

Feb. 3, 2012

The Defense Ministry plans to spend 729 million rubles ($24.5 million) on eight underwater drones made by Icelandic firm Teledyne Gavia, according to an order posted on the ministry's website.

Applications of so-called unmanned underwater vehicles include surveillance, clearing mines, and anti-submarine warfare.

Teledyne Gavia, formerly known as Hafmynd ehf, has been developing underwater drones since 1997.

Russia has struggled in recent years to produce sophisticated aerial drones of its own, instead purchasing Israeli technology for its armed forces. Last month it was reported that the Defense Ministry had invested 5 billion rubles ($158 million) with state-owned holding Russian Helicopters to develop three new types of aerial drones that are expected to be completed by 2015.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue