"Makhachkala" passes first round of tests

The small artillery ship (IAC) "Makhachkala" has successfully completed
the first phase of tests, RIA Novosti reports.

State tests and inclusion of the ship in the Caspian flotilla are
scheduled for the end of 2012.

The "Makhachkala" is the third ship in the "Buyan" project, designed by
"Zelenodolsk Design Bureau" located in the republic of Tatarstan. A
series of these ships is being built by the "Almaz" shipbuilding company in St.
Petersburg.

The ships of the Buyan project are equipped with unique propulsion
units consisting of two water jets that provide a small landing and
high maneuverability in shallow waters. The ships will be used in the
coastal zone of the Caspian Sea, on rivers and at river mouths, as well
as other "narrow" waters.

The ship can deliver powerful fire strikes on ships and coastal fortifications.