The Russian Navy’s Caspian Flotilla is in desperate need of modernisation, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov has said.

“The fleet, which is currently in service in the Caspian Sea, could be characterised as outdated and uncompetitive,” he added.

The navy recently launched a second Gepard Class frigate, which is expected to join the Caspian Flotilla later this year.

The Gepard Class frigate has been designed to engage surface ships, submarines and air targets in the Caspian Sea, according to RIA Novosti.

Currently, the Caspian Fleet consists of 148 ships that are over 30 years old.