TRANSFER OF SOVIET ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE TECHNOLOGY TO WARSAW PACT COUNTRIES

Created: 8/1/1981

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

Transfer of Soviet

Antisubmarine Warfare Technology

to Warsaw Pact Countries aaaa

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Thii paper aal been enordirated the OfTce o* Suiujk ftacarc* and Ac Naiioralll;feacx OfTlocn foero<fifra, for USSR fjiieo Earopc. and 'Generalce*aaW

Transfer of So*let Antisubmarinelo Warsaw Pact Countr

USSR it Iransferrinj antisubmarine warfare lechnotogy io the navies

of ihe Warsaw Pact Alliance, including East Germany, Bulgaria. Poland, and Romania. None of these countries has an antisubmarine warfare mission beyond that of defending coastal areas against submarineand even this mission is made possible only by the acquisition oftechrvology. Most of the Soviet equipment transferred so far to these countries is obsolescent or deteriorates in performance after delivery Thus, these forces now do notignificant threat to US or NATOoperations.

East Germany has recti.ed most of the Soviet technology and the widest variety of weaponry$ East Germany received the relatively modern Soviet Kor.-class frigates. Haze helicopters, and also current Soviet weaponry and electronics for thehip designed and built by the East Germans. This may indicate thai similar Soviet transfers will be made in future if* an efforiolster tlie aniisu-marinc warfare capabilities of Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria.

The Soviets apparently intend to optimize the Warsaw Pact countries* antisubmarine warfare capabilities for local waters. This is consistent with the wartime roles assigned to the non-Soviet Warsaw Pactoperations in the Baltic and Slack Seas. Al) technology transferred thus far was originally designed by the Soviets for their own coastal defense. The weapons and sonars have extremely limited ranges and could not perform effectively in the open ocean Tbe surface ships and submarines that have been transferred are unable to perform oa the high scat Thus, the current threat to US and NATO submarine operations from ion So* ict Warsaw Pact navies in the open ocean is virtually nonciisicM.

Warsaw Pact countries have not been involved in antisubmarine exercise* with the Soviets outside of the Baltic and Black Seas, nor arc these countries encouraged to conduct any significant research and development on antisubmarine warfare systems, either for themselves or for export.

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Types ofraraftrrtd Suffice Craft

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Aircraft

East Germany

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Antisubmarine Warfare Technolofj

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Tht Warsaw Piet All.ince (WP) wai oubliihed ia3 *iih the si|nin-reaty of Friendship. Muluil AlfiUMM.Cooperation. Th* Wiruw Pieti were (he USSR. Easl Germany. Bul|i'-ii. Ctachostovakia, Poland.ry. inc Albania. (Albania withdrew from the AHtaftOl in ml; From iu inception to ihe. Ihe WP did not have in affective intisucmarine warfare lASWltapaMity Also, ihe Sciei AS* pro-Mtaa had .vi resulted int de%eke*-ienii-fj

Th* ASW tec Wogy lhal eventually -uinto the WP forcea repreaenied earl. Se<iTha finiffort iothec/a th*Arthcjh-as not transferred toihe

Kroniudt-ctau submarine chasers inda<liu fiiliita that fcHo-ed it were transferred Bejinamf in th* tnai-IISOi. the Scrveu built sli-hity improved ships, inch ai theclaw lubmerioe chaser and the Poti-elau patrol eacon. The latter Otic*Klecied for irinsfer lo the WP countries. TheSovieu btull ihctr Whitkcy-clau ind Romoo-dasi dioel it-tick submarines alao durini. andf these evtntuilly mm transferred to tae WP eoun-

The Sovieli alio beiin ino develop ASW aircraft. Alihouih many of tbe earlyseaplane*tranaferred to Communist China, none of iKcmaircraft wens ever sen! to thebe moat teem So-set ASWopterh*h* Hate probably will repi.ee thenund hetkwer. which bis been usedoat of th* WP cogninetfjflt

he number of platforms lhal have been iriaa-fcrrcdast Germany. Bu!|iria. Poland, ind la-maniahow* the per for mince charicttrtfitci of the pJufocmi and 'ritiofifVaM ASWTV ir-pod" describe* in detail ih* ASW platforms, sensors, indthll hive beeo iranifened to one or awe WfBJ

Surface Craft

tailill Germiny ail imoai the tarty recipieou of ASW lurfacc craft from the Soviets. East Germany his received thenumber ind var*ty of suffice ships of any WP country. Included in the Irinsfen. weie Ri|ii,nd Koms The Mirlai were considered for tr.nsfer but were never delivered The transfer of these surface ships has bolstered ihe East Germaa capability to defend iu coasia!inst lubmirine incwriiom.

4 Fasl Germany received four Ri'i-clawfrom the ScieU.0 Ihe Soviets moder-iiedi(ii by replacing the RBU-OOO ASW rocheth the mcderahaionccridow know whetheru transferred lo East German,moderaiied ia the

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Bulgaria't first acquisition* of Surface craft from the Soviets7 were two Kronitidt-class submarine chasers Al about tbe same time two Riga-clasto were delivered la IH)'iaM received tn SO-lt. andShershensreceived91 The meat recent delivery, startingu that of three Peti-cUst patrol escorts. The Potis represented connderable improve menu over the Kronstadts because of their greater range and speed, ihcr the had nexr union andThe effectiveness of theoccr. was hampered because of iu limitedapability. In addition, ihc Potida-fedubmarine chaser toroups for optimum sonar performance All of the surface craft delivered io Bulgaria arc in active service. All of the Soviet ships delncied to Bulgaria, including the moat modem, are chancer-lied as iima. and obsolescent Nevertheless, these ship* addo Bvtgaria's ca paWitv to defend iu sea lines of communication tgiinit submarines in

B'ick Sc* Overall defense of the Black Sr* is farther enhanced threvgh rcgsUr combined Sonet-Bulgaria ASW cicrcitcs ia the area

FeUsd. Of all wp concur ie* recei>ing surface craft from lhe Sovieu. Poland has received the lean. It has received Kotlina and mayreceived Kronttadu

The transfer of the rctaliaclr enodern Kobindicate* that the Sonelileastoderniiation of iheNavy TV KoM. whaleWetcfal auci fix East

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Bulgaria ranks second to East Germany i* numbers of surface craft received from the Soviets Included ia the iraasferrahere Krurt-stadts, Ri|bs. SO-ls, Pons, and She-. asaj

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0 Polandodified Kotlin-class destroyer, sometime* leferred us at tbe SAM-Kotlia because of iunsunatioa Although the modified Kottin is not primarily intended for ASW. li does pc.es* RBU- JMO AS* rorta Uunchcrs for use against enemy submarines Ii is still active in the Polish Navy. Poland also mayreceived abuii huk Kronsudu from the SoweU Tvone ofurrently active in the Polish NavyH

The Petes port teuv.it occasionallySW cscrcocs in the Baltic. Although the Polo contribute little so WP ASW (ffftii.er.eu. this participation probablyoviet deurc lo include Polish force*more joint cicrcitcs. thut showing Wp raiment as)

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Romania hisautical miles of coastline, which is flanked on (he north by the Soviet Union ind on the souih by Bulgaria Romaniaubstantial number of coastal patrol craft for defending in economic ?oac ofry likely theydefend their sea lines of communications ind the WP forces when they ire in port* Oelivcry of Soviet ASW-rclaied surface craft to Romania has been sm.tll in numbers and variety. Three Kronstadis were transferred6 jnd ire still in active service. Three Potis were the most recent icouisitions and were transferred. The Romanians may be rclucunt to become closely lied to the WP by accept-ing Soviet-offered equipment^

Only two Warsaw Pics countries'- Bulgaria indreceived submarines from the Sovvet Union

ftafgarja. Inthe Bulgarians received twoicsel attack submarines iSSsk which re-placed two aging Whiskcy-cUss SSs trinsferTed to Bulgjrla aboutears earlier. The Romeo-class submarines could provide defensive ASW barriers in wartimciM

uisition of Soviet tubmirinea strengthens Bulgaria's Nivy and givesodest capability lo conduct coastal operations agiinit targets in the Blackhe tw0 Whiskeys ire retired. The iwo Romcos were built by the Soviets liter than the Whiskeys but have similar propulsion systems. The Romeos have an improved hull form, better snorkel-ing. and Quieter features than the Whiskey. The Bulgarian submarines, with their accompanyingand weapon systems, ire too outmoded to add significantly to ihe ASW capib-liiy of Ihe WP eoun-tncsfB

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FotvU.25 four Whiskeys, identical lo those delivered to Bulgirii. were delivered to Poland. The Polishore balanced thai ill non-Soviet Warsaw Pact allies because il has the most submarines (fourlarger naval air force. These four Whiskeys provide barrier defense for Poisnd's coastal waters. Poland probably gains much valuable cipcricnct ia evasion tactics when it participates inicrcises involving the WP ecu atria.Polish participation provides litlleto the ASW capability of the WP nation

Aircraft

Although ihe Soviets have esporied fucd-wmg ASW aircraft, none hat been transferredhe WP. Many helicopters have been transferredhe WP, bui il it not eetiain how many have ani<-jgj

rTajr Germany. East Germany is one of ihtee WP countries lo have received lhe Haze helicopter (seehree were delivered in9 ornd tis were delivered inhe Hare is the best ASW helicopter in Ihe WP inventory. It i* (he first in the WP forces to simultaneouslyipping sooar. magnelic anomaly detectoradar. Some evidence indicate* lhat tbe Hare also i* initrumentedelatively modern ASW data link designated Zer

Zenanaery-high-frequencyOiSoviet Navy iaierrogate/lranspond data system. This system use* tonal iransmiswoas between surface combaunu and helicopters to direct the helicopters to ihe general area of underwater targcu Zenana almost certainly it used for helicopter station keeping; il may also have additional use ia determining large! data in conjunctionhore-based control center thai performs ASW analyses In

0 before ihe second delivery of the Hate. Eatl Oerman helicopterwere observed parliei-pating in Soviet exercises using Zenana. In addition, report* indicate that in ASW data analysis center may be constructed near Straltund. East

The developmenu in0 indicate that ihe Soviets are bolstering the helicopter ASW capacity of East Germany and Poland, and they may increase the capability of Bulgaria {pj

Bulgaria. Bulgaria has received sis Hare helicopters from the Soviets They have not been very active, and it is possible that one of the Haze helicopten ia Ihe Bulgarian Navy hat crashed

PoW. During May andl. the Soviets} delivered sia Hate Vlicopters to Poland. Before deliv-cry. Polish pilots underwent estensrve training oa these helicopter! at Bryusleron in the Soviet Union. Delivery was made to the Polish air and seabase al Darlowo. If the tame pattern of delivery of Hate helicopters to East Germioj foltowe

Many nonnuctcar ASW weapons have been caponed lo the WP, Including RBU rocket launchers and munitions, torpedoes, andbe exportedis almost always less effective than that in Ihe current Soviet inventory. Weapons effectivenessnot only proper maintenance and practice but also proper target location and fire control. The transferred tensors cannot perform ihe necessarydefinition with sufficient accuracy orimely manner. Therefore, the weapons pose no threat to NATO submarine* Some of the weaponry actually may have bee:i-

riori. Fast Germany. Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania haveumber of Soviet torpedoes SI oentimcten (cm) in diameter Included areXX antiship serieshe intishiphe EJectricbesaays Torpedand the aniiiubmarinell eaceptntiship torpedo appear to be obsolete in tbe Soviet inventory. These torpedoes are most likely proven, single-purpose systems, because the Soviets have avoidedtypes until recently. We cannot identify which Wp country recened which particular lype wrpedo (sec table Dfl|

The newest torpedo delivered to theheatine torpedo for use aboard the East German. BaleoriM frigate (figurehe Soviel version of this torpedo, which iam in diameter.

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ropulsion.range ofilometers Amipeed of overnot* Iknl II hai in- -'i'<uidance system and ctplodet either on conlicl or by active acoustic influence signal*he first small torpedo that hat been sent to Eat: Germany for use on its

Torpedoes such asA are believed to have been designed for smaller combatant operation. They have become popular within ihe Soviet submarine community because of their lightand small. They may find wider utility in the WP forcetfj

Mian No data ire i'nlabk to determine the tutus of Soviet mine exports to the WP countries Only one Soviet muse witholka lions, called the MAG by Iheelieved soeen eiponed so East GcrrriaflyStfftwfj

0>eral Effeet af Traaafrei oaPMI

The Soviets appear to be satisfied to keep the AS* capability of the WP countries it levels thai ire effective only ia the shallow waters off the coast of the

Thisubmarine chaser thai appears lo be an oulgrowtbof lhe WorldII Artillerist class, but ilarger and .merovcd hull Cesian TV Soviet] built aboutf Ihisciaia None is in the Soviet inventory, but some aftse ia the WP counlriesM

Riga fan This frigate serves as an escort ship4 Ri|ti were buill by the Sovieii6 Riges have Ven or soon mil be removed from service in tV Scict and in iV WP Ai>ie>(

aii Thisarge patrol craft TV Sows builtO-It between tVndVy arehe Soviet and WP navie

SAM KoiHm rfiis. Thisodified Soviet Kotlit-clast deatroyerurface-to-air missile fSAMl Uuncher tfor anOA missile) ia place of aft twia turrets. Nine SAM Kotlins were built bv the Sonets aad are still active One Vs beau transfcrrud to Poland^!

Purr i* This shipatrol escort that is designedubmarine chaser and operates in groups to oplimiic sonar performance It representsimreovemeni over iV Kronstadt* bet siistn and cffcctiveneas Onlyota were built by thend sis ate still aciive ia the WP i

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olding antenna on the tail In wartime. It can perform useful roles in defensive barriers, indwd-ing mlneleyi-g - a>

Memto efari. The Romeo-class submarine hai aijikt similar to that of (he Whiskey The hull form of the Romeo rcprescais anr the Whistev. and the larger snorkel induct-cn oa the Romeo permiti saorkeling on two engine* rither lhan on* ai on th* Whiskey Shroudshe propulsionn the Romeo provide somequieting The Romeo can carry aboutines in place of in torpedoes. Wartime rota for innwould include defensive ASW bathersH

Aircraft

Many helicopterseen transferred to the WP sem* ofnave in ASW f-

iThe Houndgk (Otor. mediam-siic helicopter used in la-gc Bambenransport in maayypes of Sonei aviation units Thesedand-based ASW rok in Soviet naval manor.)

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and wp count net art replacing (fie igmgith the newerelicoplerisaf

Hazt.'Mi !'<i an amphibious viriant of theelicopter.t designed primarily for an ASW role, tt Is superior in speed, pay load, range, and sensors when compared lo tae Hound and Hormone Theaalirge chineapons bay. dipping sonar, and MAD gear. Thes designed primarily for land* based opcraiMns. but it can male emeraency wiver landif js^PJ

Sestaon

The sensors aboard the Soviet surface ships ind submarines trinsfcrrtd to some WP countries in probably identical to those on similar Soviet platforms at the time of trirufctH

. Thbbuncher haiani*eters, and was introduced by ihc SovUm1 It iarulf* tminabb launcher and ma iha ROMS rocket, lisacoitcd with thea 2MHi scusarfTitan/V, i>

KBU-tOW. The0 haiarrela andintroduced1ully trainable.. ,

Dili on torpedoes that were transferred are mi.fiV cient for ui io identify the ipeciflc torpedoes or Ihe WP eoumry receiving thcmf|

Si-XX Stria.X kries lorpedoutd-ard-tspoory in thenda. These SJ-eavdiamclcr lorpedoea uac air itream propulsion and |yro guidance. They hat speeds ranging fromon and ranges ofeters. They ciplodc on impact ind art pri-marily antbhip weapons.nd 5M4 lorpedoea hare been teat to WP ooaotriea. The SMIc^eiefm

The ETeri-ed from iu name Elr<irlthfiktyandhe bask dcalga tor all Soviet electric torpedoes to date1 cm ir diameter,peed ofangeeters, aad tapiodes oa impuafJJ

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A number of Soviet naval mince have beento the Wp. Available data indicate that only one mine type with an ASWmay have been uponcd'JB

MAC Thii mine was first introduced by the Sovietsoored type that is detonated by contactalvanic-action antenna and, tn aome cases, by chemical bora. It Is bunched by surface ihipa and operates in water depthseters or lessfJJ

This waa the first Soviethoming torpedo. It became operational during. It ia SJ cm In diameter, hai an electric propubioapeed ofn,angeeters. Th*as gjTo/icouaiic guidabor control.cither oa ianpaa oriuaK taflwruca. sj

SET- JA Thb weapon, whichiand of World War It-German lechnoiogj and indigenous Soviet uriderwater senaor icchncaogy. waa flm uaad operationallyhktorpedo has eleetrkpeed *angeeters.a antisubcruuim wcapaa. Is has gyro/aeoastie guidanoc and eiptodea on impact or by magnetic influence. Noise and stability problems with initial versions of the SET-S) led to many owdifics-lions. Thes not believed lo be in iha Soviet stockpile, but arty vsriaeti arc believed to be ia the

WP 'i'-.bi

Original document.

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