The DG-160 midget submarine is not considered old technology or technically junk. It is a modern submarine with its own set of capabilities. Here are some details about its sensor and technical capabilities:Yes... Junk weapons in modern combat. Mobile coffins. I don't want to see Ukrainian soldiers in big, lightly armoured targets like Chieftains.
- The DG-160 midget submarine is part of the DRASS DG160 series, which continues the legacy of Italian-made midget submarines.
- It has a main pressure hull divided into four parts with separate battery containers, which are bolted together.
- The DG-160 can be armed with up to four 533 mm wire-guided heavy torpedoes, which are already loaded in the launch tubes.
- In terms of sensors, the DG-160 features periscopes with a television camera, HF/HF communication, and GPS antenna. It also has an underwater television camera and obstacle avoidance sonar.
- The submarine has a weight of 160 tons and requires a crew of 9 members. It has a maximum diving depth of 150 meters.
Overall, the DG-160 midget submarine offers modern sensor capabilities and technical features that make it a viable option for various naval operations.
While larger submarines offer certain advantages, there are several reasons why Ukraine might consider purchasing modern DG-160 midget submarines instead of larger 2000-ton submarines:
1. Cost-efficiency: Midget submarines like the DG-160 are generally more affordable to acquire, operate, and maintain compared to larger submarines. This can make them a more cost-effective option for a country like Ukraine with budget constraints.
2. Coastal defense and flexibility: Midget submarines are specifically designed for operations in littoral or coastal regions, where they can navigate shallow waters and engage in close-range operations. This makes them well-suited for defending Ukraine's coastal areas and territorial waters.
3. Agility and stealth: Midget submarines typically have smaller dimensions and lower acoustic signatures, making them more maneuverable and harder to detect. Their smaller size allows them to operate in confined spaces, increasing their survivability in coastal environments.
4. Versatility: Despite their smaller size, modern midget submarines like the DG-160 can still carry a significant payload, including torpedoes, mines, and special operations equipment. This versatility allows them to perform a range of missions, including anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations deployments.
5. Deterrence and asymmetric warfare: Midget submarines can serve as a deterrent against enemy ships approaching Ukraine's coastal targets. Their presence can create uncertainty and complicate an adversary's operational planning. Additionally, midget submarines can contribute to asymmetric warfare capabilities by conducting covert operations and disrupting enemy activities.
6. Rapid deployment and response: The smaller size of midget submarines allows for easier transportation and deployment. They can be quickly deployed to different regions and respond rapidly to emerging threats or changing operational requirements.
Ukraine could potentially benefit from purchasing these submarines. The advantages that the DG-160 midget submarines could bring to Ukraine include:
Anti-ship and anti-submarine attacks: The DG-160 submarines can carry up to four wire-guided heavy-weight torpedoes with a range of 50 km, enabling Ukraine to effectively engage enemy ships and submarines.
- Mine deployment: The submarines have the capability to deploy mines in shallow waters or harbor mouths, which could help protect Ukraine's naval bases, ports, and strategic locations. Mines can act as a deterrent and impede enemy vessels' movement, increasing Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
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