As reported by Korabel on July 1, 2025, Russia launched the oceanographic research vessel Vice-Admiral Burilichev at the Vyborg Shipyard, a facility operating under the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC). Though officially described as an oceanographic research ship designed for scientific and rescue missions, the vessel has drawn attention in Western defense circles as a potential intelligence-gathering platform due to its affiliation with the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI) under the Russian Ministry of Defense. GUGI is a specialized military organization believed to conduct underwater reconnaissance and seabed operations. The launch ceremony took place likely in late June 2025, without media coverage or official publicity, which has contributed to continued speculation about the vessel’s intended mission profile. Read full defense news at this link...
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| The addition of the Project 22011 vessel Vice-Admiral Burilichev reinforces Russia’s strategy of maintaining a fleet capable of operating in deep-sea environments for both declared scientific purposes and suspected intelligence missions. (Picture source: Telegram/Korabel) |