Some major ships (including the flagship) of the Soviet and Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, August 2007
A major modernization and at least 18 new ships await the country’s fleet in the next decade. Propeller In addition, old SU-24 bombers and amphibious sea planes will be replaced by newer models.
The history of the Black Sea fleet dates to the late 18th Century when the Russian Empire won the Crimea after two wars with Turkey. The fleet is based in the Crimean town of Sevastopol, where Russia rents a naval base from Ukraine.
The fleet contains some 40 vessels, most of which have been in use for nearly 35 years.
One rescue ship – “The Komunna” – will celebrate its hundredth anniversary in two years.