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Underwater Drones Drift to “Rostec”

Rubric: Russia, Industry

Russian corporation Rostec eyes up the assets of the Marine Automatic Systems (MAS) consortium, an insider in defense industry told Mil.Press Today. Even though the federal press already calls MAS a member of the state corporation, the parties has not reached a firm agreement on the merger yet.

Rostec officials did not confirm that information. The spokesman from the company’s press service pointed out that at the current stage the question was only about a single joint project.

Combat underwater drone Nerpa

At the Army-2018 international forum, MAS presented the underwater drone Nerpa equipped by APS undersea weapon produced by Rostec’s Central Research Institute for Precision Engineering. The exposition was arranged inside the Rostec pavilion. Meanwhile, MAS representatives told Mil.Press Today before the exhibition that the company would not be presented as allegedly it was unreasonable.

An insider in the MAS coordination council confirmed Rostec was interested in the consortium. "They offered to attend the Army-2018 forum and gave us a booth, so we agreed. Speaking of our merger with Rostec, it has not been formalized yet", specified the interviewee. He refused to give any forecasts if such merger occurs. "I need to consult my colleagues first", he summed up.

For some media, the MAS transfer to Rostec is an accomplished deed. "Rostec members, the Central Research Institute for Precision Engineering and MAS scientific and production group presented an underwater drone capable to carry explosives and small arms", reported TASS on August 21. The similar mistake was made by The Independent Newspaper, RBC and a number of smaller publications.

The Marine Automatic Systems (MAS) consortium comprises several organizations located in Samara, Moscow and S. Petersburg. One of its activities is designing underwater robotic systems for the Russian military.