Russian Navy launches top frigate

The first Russian ocean-going navy frigate to be built since the fall of the USSR was launched on Friday.

The building of Admiral Gorshkov began in 2006, in St. Petersburg.

The Russian Navy expects the vessel to be in service next year, Itar-Tass news agency reports.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, in the next fifteen years, 20 such frigates are expected to be built, for military operations both in the Ocean and off-shore.

The 4,500 ton Admiral Gorshkov and frigates of its type are equipped with artillery and anti-aircraft systems, anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles, and a helicopter.