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Belgium's Latest OPV Pollux P902 Escorted and Monitored Russia Navy Submarine in EEZ

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Naval Forces News - Belgium
 
 
 
Belgium's Latest OPV Pollux P902 Escorted and Monitored Russia Navy Submarine in EEZ
 
The Belgian Navy announced that the latest addition to its fleet, Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Pollux (P902) escorted and monitored a Russian Navy submarine and a Silva class tug boat while they were transiting in Belgium's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to the Belgian Navy, this was the first operational military mission for the new OPV.
     
The Belgian Navy announced that the latest addition to its fleet, Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Pollux (P902) escorted and monitored a Russian Navy submarine and a Silva class tug boat while they were transiting in Belgium's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to the Belgian Navy, this was the first operational military mission for the new OPV.
Belgium's latest OPV, the Pollux (P902) in action monitoring the Russian submarine in Belgium's EEZ.
Picture: Belgian Navy
     
The Belgian Navy selected French shipyad SOCARENAM for the Ready Duty Ship (RDS) program. The first RDS, the P901 Castor was delivered in July 2014. The second, the Pollux joined its sister-ship in the first half of 2015. The missions of the RDS include surveillance of the EEZ, illegal fishing control, search and rescue, and fight against trafficking and pollution. For its missions, the ship has a crew of 15 and can take about 18 passengers aboard. Two RHIB, one 9 m in length and one 7.5 m, are placed at the back of the RDS. The ship also features a panoramic (360°) bridge and an FN Herstal SeaDeFNder 12.7 mm remotely operated machine gun.

Navy Recognition understands the submarine in question is Russia's new Project 636 (Varshavyanka) diesel-electric submarine (SSK) "B-261 Novorossiysk".

The submarine just completed a series of tests with the Russian Navy Northern Fleet and is now en route to the Russian Navy Black Sea Fleet to revive the submarine forces there.
     
The Belgian Navy announced that the latest addition to its fleet, Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Pollux (P902) escorted and monitored a Russian Navy submarine and a Silva class tug boat while they were transiting in Belgium's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to the Belgian Navy, this was the first operational military mission for the new OPV.
Russia's new Project 636 (Varshavyanka) diesel-electric submarine (SSK) "B-261 Novorossiysk" transiting in Belgium's EEZ. Picture: Belgian Navy
     
The Pollux OPV had taken over the ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy Zr Ms Johan de Witt LPD, who had followed the Russian submarine as it passed through their waters. After transiting in Belgian waters, Royal Navy OPV (River class) HMS Tyne took over and accompanied the Russian submarine into the English Channel.