Gorshkov Is On Patrol...

These are next to be loaded with 3M22 Zircons and on to changing naval warfare forever. 

Admiral Kasatonov:

Admiral Golovko:

Marshal Shaposhnikov:

And Gremyaschyii of pr. 20385.
 

These are immediately available carriers of Zircons, each of such ships capable to sink CBG in a single salvo without entering the range of carrier-borne aviation, and getting targeting from both Liana and other assets, including submarines on patrol, and that spells the end of navies as we knew them. Next "stop" are Zircons on operational-strategic aircraft such as TU-22M3M or even tactical aircraft such as SU-34 (Indians managed to stick Brahmos under the belly of their SU-30MKIs) and, the next year, on the submarines of the pr.885 Yasen-class. As they say, Happy New Year. 

The Russian navy frigate ‘Admiral Gorshkov,’ has become the first warship carrying Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles to begin routine combat service. Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw the ceremony on Wednesday via video link, declaring that the Zircon missile was a “unique weapon” and that “no other country has anything comparable.” “I am sure that such a powerful armament will allow us to steadfastly defend Russia from potential foreign threats. It will help to maintain the national interests of our country,” Putin stated.

Yes, I am sure that is what Putin meant--Happy New Year.  US submariners' life has just got much more interesting;)) 

In related news, you have got to love the guy--his enthusiasm for developing firing solution is contagious. 

Yes, those great, legendary American battleships of WW II.

Russian Naval Cats Are... Cattier Than Westminster Cats.

On a lighter note. The Telegraph replied to Russia's Defense Ministry's "expose" on a cat who went to the combat patrol to the shores of Syria on one of the ships of Admiral Kuznetsov Carrier Battle Group. 

     

As The Telegraph noted:

This cat has a more perilous job than the moggies the British have in Westminster, who chiefly meet foreign ambassadors and catch mice.
Cats have had a place on board Russian ships for many years, and now appear to serve the purpose of making their military operations look more cute and cuddly.

Cuddly operations certainly sound nice. In my experience, I went to combat patrols with several cats, one mutt which was an official dog (and sometimes bitches he brought to have fun with) of our Brigade and went, once in a while, to patrols on the ships of his own choice--I guess smells from galleys were a tie breaker. I also served with a hedgehog--little poor thing couldn't handle storms that well. Moreover, I also served with a falcon (called promptly Vasya) who had his wing broken and lived on the bridge tied to the railings. He didn't mind, we fed him extremely well. Animals on ships are afforded always a special place but also are treated as combat comrades and have their own berth(s) and meals. Now, this ginger feline must be issued this:
         

Or this:

This one, though, it seems is on its way to admiral epaulets.