The Russian Navy’s Baltic Fleet training vessel, Smolny, recently made an unofficial stop in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of a long-range voyage aimed at providing maritime practice for cadets from Russia’s naval educational institutions. The visit, which took place from August 29 to September 1, was the third port call on Smolny’s current journey, following stops in Havana, Cuba, and La Guaira, Venezuela.
The primary objective of Smolny’s visit was to replenish supplies and conduct a technical inspection of the ship. According to the Russian Navy fleet press service, the cadets on board were expected to interact with South African Navy (SAN) personnel, go sightseeing, and visit historical sites in Cape Town, the second most populous city in South Africa. The Russian Consulate in Cape Town emphasized that the visit aimed to strengthen naval ties between Russia and South Africa.
Smolny carries over 300 cadets who are honing their communication and navigation skills during this voyage. While in Cape Town, the cadets had the opportunity to meet with SAN personnel and explore the city’s historical landmarks. These interactions are part of the broader training regimen designed to prepare the cadets for future naval duties.
Technical Specifications
The Smolny is the lead ship of its class, measuring 138 meters in length with a cruising range of 9,000 nautical miles at 14 knots and a top speed of 20 knots. The vessel has a standard displacement of 6,120 tons and is armed with four 76 mm guns and two twin 30 mm anti-aircraft guns. Commissioned on June 30, 1976, Smolny has been actively involved in training missions since mid-2015, visiting ports in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Spain, among others.
This is not the first time Russian naval vessels have visited South Africa. In November 2019, Russian and Chinese naval warships participated in Exercise Mosi, a joint naval exercise held in South African waters. The Russian Navy’s Slava-class missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov, along with the Project Slava-class rescue tug SB-406 and tanker Vyazma, took part in these exercises.
The visit of the Smolny to Cape Town highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen naval cooperation between Russia and South Africa. As the vessel continues its long-range voyage, the cadets on board will benefit from the practical experience gained through these international interactions, furthering their training and readiness for future naval operations.