Kalashnikov receives foreign interest in diving boat based on BK-16 craft

Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern has received inquiries from foreign customers interested in acquiring a specialised diving boat based on the BK-16 high-speed transport and landing craft, a company representative said during the “Flot-2026” International Naval Exhibition.

Speaking to TASS at the event, the representative said the company had been approached regarding a version of the vessel configured specifically for diving operations.

"We have received requests from foreign customers for a boat in a special diving configuration. In addition to its basic equipment, this boat carries a decompression chamber and other specialised diving equipment, which allows both for the decompression of divers and for the conduct of diving operations. This design is based on the ‘BK-16’ boat,” he said.

The BK-16, marketed internationally as the BK-16E, is designed for a range of coastal operations, including personnel transport, amphibious landings, fire support, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue missions, and maritime security tasks such as anti-piracy and counterterrorism operations.

According to the manufacturer, the vessel can carry up to 19 troops and is capable of operating from unequipped shorelines. The craft features armoured protection for its conning tower and troop compartment, while its engines are also shielded.

The BK-16 can be equipped with various weapon configurations, including multiple machine guns, a remote-controlled combat module, or a grenade launcher, depending on mission requirements.

The vessel is capable of reaching speeds of up to 42 knots (approximately 77 kilometres per hour) and has an operational range of at least 400 nautical miles.

By Sabina Mammadli