The training ship Smolny, a unit of the Russian Navy assigned to the Baltic Fleet, recently arrived at the port of Cape Town, South Africa, on what is an unofficial visit to the African country. This vessel is on a long-distance voyage for cadets from the naval educational institutions of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
According to Russian media reports, the visit to South Africa marks the third foreign port call for the crew of the Smolny during this training voyage. Previously, the Smolny visited two allied countries in the Americas: Cuba and Venezuela.
Throughout 2024, the Russian Navy has maintained a significant presence in Caribbean waters. In early July, after completing a visit to Havana in June alongside the nuclear submarine Kazan, the Russian Navy flotilla, led by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, arrived in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. After departing Cuba, the Admiral Gorshkov and the Project 23130 tanker Pashin arrived in the first days of July at the port of La Guaira.
Later, the Russian Navy deployed a new flotilla towards the Caribbean Sea, specifically to the port of Havana. Led by the frigate Neustrashimy from the Baltic Fleet, the formation included the patrol ship Neustrashimy, the offshore tanker Yelnya, and the aforementioned training ship Smolny.
Regarding its recent arrival in South Africa, “…the crew (of the Smolny) will replenish water, fuel, and food supplies and carry out a technical inspection of the ship. Sailors and cadets from the Baltic Fleet will meet with South African naval personnel, take sightseeing tours, and visit historical sites in South Africa’s second most populous city…,” detailed the Russian Navy’s press service.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the training ship’s voyage is part of the maritime practice for cadets from the naval educational institutions of the Russian Ministry of Defense. “…The future naval officers are undergoing a training program, particularly practicing communication and navigation skills. In total, more than 300 cadets are on board the Smolny…”.
Cover image: Russian Consulate in Cape Town.
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