Russian frigate with Kalibr and Zircon missiles docks in Qatar port: Purpose revealed
Photo: The Russian frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov with Kalibrs arrives in Qatar (wikimedia.org)
The Russian frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, which carries the Kalibr and Zircon missiles, has called at the Qatari port of Hamad to participate in the DIMDEX-2024 defense exhibition, according to Interfax.
"A welcoming ceremony for the Russian warship was held at the pier, attended by representatives of the Russian Embassy in Qatar and officers of the host nation's naval forces," the statement says.
The frigate will stay in the port of Qatar for several days, during the exhibition it will be visited by participants and guests of the international event.
Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate
The Marshal Shaposhnikov is a Russian Project 1155M frigate that is part of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet. During the overhaul in 2016, the ship was equipped with launchers for the Kalibr, Tsirkon, and Oniks missile systems. The modernization was carried out at the Dalzavod Ship Repair Center in Vladivostok. As part of the modernization, hull structures and cable routes were dismantled and remanufactured.
It is noteworthy that the first launches of the Kalibr from the ship after the modernization were unsuccessful. Judging by the most widespread videos, the launched missiles fell into the sea a short distance from the ship.
On September 16, 2023, the frigate was visited by DPRK dictator Kim Jong-un, where he inspected the Kalibr and Uran missile systems.
