Putin Urges Naval Shipbuilders to Expedite Deliveries

The United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), is under criticism from Russian President Vladimir Putin for delays in delivery of several warships for the Russian Navy, RIA Novosti reported.

In his complaint to USC officials, Putin cited problems with efficiency and quality on a number of projects, particularly regarding the assembly and delivery of nuclear submarines and surface ships.

Putin ordered the Russian shipbuilders quicken construction without sacrificing production quality, demanding a report highlighting measures of improvement be submitted by October 15.

RIA Novosti reported that after the meeting, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said that the USC had fallen behind schedule on approximately 30 percent of its contracts with the Defense Ministry, leading them to hire foreign subcontractors to help complete the delayed projects.

According to the Defense Ministry, the Russian Navy awaits delivery of 24 submarines and 54 warships of various classes by 2020.

Source: Ria Novosti, Staff