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Rosneft Clinches Exploration Deal in Amazon Basin

Russia's largest energy producer has signed a deal with the Brazilian company PetroRio to operate the exploration of sites in the Amazon's Solimoes Basin.

Rosneft, the world's largest publicly-traded petroleum company, has raised its stake in an oil and gas prospecting venture in the to 100 percent, giving it complete control over two onshore gas and oil leases in the Solimoes Basin of .

The Russian company increased its stake after agreeing to a deal with Brazilian oil producer PetroRio, also known as HRT Participacoes em Petroleo SA.

Rosneft acquired its 45 percent stake in the Solimoes project after its takeover of the oil company TNK-BP in 2011, which made it the world's largest oil producer.

In November 2013, Rosneft Brazil and PetroRio made an agreement for Rosneft to obtain an additional six percent in the Solimoes project, raising its stake to 51 percent and giving it the status of operator of the project.

The deal was finally approved by Brazil's National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels in July of last year. According to the July announcement from Rosneft, the transaction amounted to $96 million, with Rosneft also acquiring four heli-transportable rigs from the Brazilian company. In addition, Rosneft provided PetroRio with a loan facility of up to $40 million to finance HRT investments inSolimoes for a period of 12 months.

"The Solimoes project establishes Rosneft in Brazil, a country with major upstream growth opportunities and synergies with Rosneft operations in Venezuela," Rosneft stated.

According to media reports, the latest deal between the two companies is due to be announced on Monday and is valued at $55 million.

Rosneft reports that the resources of the Solimoes project consist of 34 million tons of oil and 73 billion cubic meters of gas, according to the project's prospecting works, which have been carried out over an area of 44.5 thousand square kilometers in the basin to date. The company says that 75 percent of the basin's area remains untapped, with the potential for extracting 100 million tons of oil equivalent exist, while gas reserves of 28-37 billion cubic meters have been confirmed.

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Putin: Brazil is one of Russia's key partners in Latin America

QUESTION: How do you assess the status and prospects of the strategic partnership between Russia and Brazil? What key issues and specific proposals are you planning to discuss in Brasilia?
Russian president to visit Cuba, Argentina, Brazil during Latin America tour

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Our bilateral cooperation is of strategic importance, as Brazil is a responsible member of the international community whose political influence is steadily increasing; it is also the largest country in Latin America and one of the leading economies in the world. It is enough to mention its active participation in BRICS, the G20 and a number of Latin American regional organisations (CELAC, MERCOSUR, UNASUR).

We support Brazil as a deserving and strong candidate for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. I am sure that this powerful and fast-developing country is destined to play an important role in the emerging polycentric world order.

I want to emphasise that Brazil is one of Russia's key partners in Latin America. We have long-standing relations of friendship, mutual respect and trust. We are actively developing political dialogue, defence, scientific, technological and humanitarian cooperation, as well as economic and investment ties.

Over the last ten years, bilateral trade has grown almost three-fold and reached $5.5 billion in 2013. Our companies maintain close contacts through the Brazil-Russia Business Council. The citizens of our countries no longer need visas to travel. Dozens of Russia's best universities that joined Brazilian educational programme Science without Borders are ready to welcome students from Brazil. Cultural exchanges have become a regular practice.

During the visit, we want to discuss areas for further developing cooperation and to outline new joint projects in energy, investment, innovation, agriculture, science and technology. We plan to sign a large package of documents relating to a variety of industries, including between specialised agencies, public and private companies, and research and educational institutions.

QUESTION: The current level of economic and trade relations between Russia and Brazil is far below the potential that has been proclaimed by the countries' leaders. What steps do you consider necessary to accelerate the realisation of this potential? What are the obstacles that slow us down and prevent us from taking bilateral trade to a completely new level?

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Indeed, despite the good results achieved, there is still an untapped potential in trade and economic cooperation with Brazil. Moreover, there was a decrease in bilateral trade (3.3% in 2013), caused by global economic instability. In order to address the situation we need to diversify our trade ties by increasing the share of high-tech products and engineering goods, as well as by developing cooperation in aviation, energy and agriculture.

Russian companies are interested in the Brazilian market. Our countries' businesses have launched a number of successful investment projects in energy, engineering and pharmaceutical industries. For example, Russia’s Rosneft and the Brazilian HRT oil and gas company are jointly exploring and producing hydrocarbons in the Solimões river basin. In the state of Santa Catarina, the corporation is setting up production of hydro turbines of up to 100 MW for their subsequent delivery to the markets of Brazil and other MERCOSUR countries. BIOCAD is developing a research, education and training centre in Brazil, designed to produce modern innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer.

I am sure that such projects will help bring our bilateral trade and economic cooperation to a more mature level, which meets the current and future capabilities of our developing countries.

QUESTION: Brazil will pass the baton of hosting a world football championship to Russia. Are you following the FIFA World Cup? Which part of Brazil's experience in preparing and hosting the event has attracted your attention and can be taken on board while organising the ?

VLADIMIR PUTIN: I try to follow the World Cup as far as my work schedule allows. The Latin American countries’ teams have put on a display of football that has real flare and talent. Unfortunately, our team did not leave the group, but, in my opinion, they tried their best.

At the invitation of Brazil and FIFA Presidents, I am going to visit the final match of the Championship to attend the ceremony of passing the baton from Brazil to Russia. In 2018, Russia will host this most popular global sporting event for the first time in its history.

In February-March, we successfully hosted the Winter Olympic and in Sochi and know exactly what a challenge it is to organise such a huge event. We are analysing Brazil’s experience very carefully. Your country is yet to host the Olympic Games in 2016. Representatives of several ministries and organisations, including the Ministry of Sports and the Russia-2018 Organising Committee, are in constant contact with Brazilian colleagues. They have already visited Brazil and I am sure they will go there again more than once.

It is worth noting that Russia plans to take the FIFA World Cup a step further in some areas. For example, we passed a federal law establishing a special visa regime for foreigners who help organise the 2018 Championship, and enabling not only the official participants, such as the athletes, referees, coaches and others, but also the fans to visit Russia without visas right before and during the competition. The history of football championships has never seen anything like this before.

I am sure that the World Cup in Brazil will be a in the history of football. I wish the Brazilian organisers every success in completing it. As for us, in 2018, we will do everything possible to give the world an unforgettable football celebration and show genuine Russian hospitality.

QUESTION: How much attention will be paid during the talks in Latin America to the issues of the , which enables some players on the international arena to unilaterally claim significantly more extensive rights, including to spy even on those leaders that they call partners and to hack their phones?

VLADIMIR PUTIN: The 21st century world is globalised and interdependent. Therefore, no state or group of countries can unilaterally tackle major international problems and any attempts to build a separate “oasis of stability and security” are doomed to failure.

In order to meet numerous challenges and threats we have to stop trying to impose development models on other countries. This approach has repeatedly proven its ineffectiveness. It does not just fail to facilitate conflict resolution, but leads to instability and chaos in international affairs.

Today, it is especially important to consolidate the international community’s efforts to ensure equal and indivisible security, as well as to resolve disputes trough the application of international law and with the central coordinating role of the UN.

As for the facts of cyber espionage that you mentioned, it not only amounts to overt hypocrisy in relationships between allies and partners, but also a direct violation of the state's sovereignty, an infringement on human rights and an invasion of privacy. We are looking forward to jointly developing an international information security system.


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Kamchatka on Track to Host Borey-Class Nuclear Subs by October

According to, Navy Adm. Viktor Chirkov, the infrastructure to base Russia’s Borey-class strategic nuclear submarines in Kamchatka will be ready by October.

ST. PETERSBURG (Sputnik) – The infrastructure to base Russia’s Borey-class strategic nuclear submarines in Kamchatka will be ready by October of this year, Navy Adm. Viktor Chirkov said Wednesday.

“The system for basing the Borey-class strategic submarines in Kamchatka is moving along according to schedule and the work will be completed by October 1 of this year,” Adm. Chirkov said.

The infrastructure will include recreation facilities for submariners, medical facilities, warehouses and a crane for missile embarkation, which is expected to be launched by October 1, Chirkov added.

As for now, three Borey-class submarines are built and another three are under construction. Eight Borey-class submarines are expected to enter into service by 2020 and become the primary nuclear force for the Russian Navy.

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Kursk scientists have begun testing unmanned underwater robot scout

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KURSK, June 29. /Corr. TASS Vladimir Shumakov/. Scientists at southwest state University (SWSU, Kursk) has begun testing unmanned underwater robot scout, who can take on the work of divers emergencies Ministry and the army said on Monday, TASS head of robotics laboratory at swsu, Ph. D. Andrew Yatsun.

Kursk scientists will begin mass production of unmanned underwater robots-scouts
"Go full-scale tests. Collected management system, created the whole structure, " said Yatsun. - Tested in the pool. We can say that the speed of 4 m/s, this is a very good indicator."
According to the scientist, the cost of the prototype is about 1 million rubles, which is 5-6 times lower than the cost of foreign analogues. The apparatus can be made even cheaper if you start producing it commercially. With our local scientists are ready to begin serial production in the autumn, upon completion of all tests.

The robot length of about 1.5 meters and a weight of 40 kg will be able to travel underwater at speeds up to 4 m/s and for 4 hours to carry out exploration at depths up to 30 meters with the camera, sensors for environmental monitoring, magnetic field and other equipment. He is able to deliver under water small loads. All this can happen without human intervention, thanks to the sensors of the depth and location of obstacles. The main task is the execution of the work of divers MOE and the Ministry of defense, as well as underwater work, for example, in the diagnosis of dams, or when monitoring of cooling ponds of nuclear power plants.

Complete robot may vary based on the specific needs of the customer. "We create media. Do body, all electronics, control system, camera - all basic "filling". If the customer wants to put some kind of radar, we additionally put. Depending on specific tasks," said Yatsun.

Pocket drone for scouts and backpackers have developed a robotics Ural
Scientist noted that the Russian analogues of small Autonomous underwater robots-scouts with similar characteristics on the market now. There are a number of universities and companies that produce underwater vehicles of large dimensions, including in Moscow, Vladivostok and St. Petersburg. Development of the Kursk University will take its place due to the low price and the best technical characteristics, I am sure Yatsun.

Research laboratory of robotics at SWSU, including the rapid prototyping center FABLAB, was opened by the grant of Russian science Foundation, which won the University. Funding amounted to about 20 million rubles. Among the projects on which scientists work - exoskeletons consumer, medical, industrial and military applications, wheeled robotic explorers and the establishment of the domestic counterparts of actuators for robotics.



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Unmanned underwater robot scout

Combined Instrument Making Corporation (DIC, is a Rostec) has created an underwater robotic vehicle (PRA) "Glider-T" with the functions of electronic warfare (EW) and orientation at depth without the help of GLONASS, told RIA Novosti, the representative of the corporation.

"The unit will be able to determine the type of passing ships on the sound solve problems EW simulate decoys obstruct the sonars and other sonar devices of the enemy," - said the international military-technical forum "Army-2015", which was represented by the novelty .

As explained by the representative of the defense industry, "Glayler-T" can be operated in standalone mode up to 180 days, both individually and as a group, a route without human intervention. "Our know-how - a technology that allows" glider "to focus on the depth without the GLONASS signals are not available, as is well known, under the water," - he explained.

A complete set of specific functions and the necessary equipment on board is installed on the machine by the customer: it is a different instrumentation, sensors, and sensors. "He can patrol certain waters, implement sampling of water and determine the level of contamination, take photographs of objects transmit information to computer equipment via GSM-modem, radio or satellite communication", - he added.

"Glider" was developed by the Moscow Design Bureau "Compass" and constructed of heavy-duty and relatively lightweight material, resistant to sea water and oil. It is equipped with an innovative engine, which allows the machine to move seamlessly to modern means of detection.

Technical Reference

"Glider-T" is designed for various research tasks at any time of the year m waters without ice in all weather conditions. The unit with the equipment for different purposes able to navigate through the program, and perform using modern materials and technologies.

The body of the underwater robot is made of heavy-duty and relatively lightweight material, resistant to sea water and oil. The original drive is based on the motor and mechanical actuator has no external mechanical moving parts, which provides a high stealth detection by means of radio and sonar.

The device can move in the water and change direction commands for which transmission can be performed in several ways. "Glider-T" can be used independently, or as part of a group of similar devices that solve the same or different tasks depending on the goals.

The device is capable of operating up to a depth of 100 m and moving at speeds up to 0.25 m / s with a payload up to 3 liters. With dimensions 1,5h1,5h0,3 m and a diameter of 200 mm autonomous body of the apparatus reaches 180 days. The movement of the apparatus along the route is carried out using an inertial control system, which automatically pops up and clarify his whereabouts.





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Russia's Next-Gen Strategic Bomber to Make Maiden Flight in 2023-2024

PAK DA, Russia's fifth generation long-range bomber powered by a new engine (both in development), is expected to make its maiden flight in less than a decade, United Engine Corporation's (UEC) CEO Vladislav Masalov said.

The aircraft is expected to be equipped with an operational engine by the time it takes off for the first time in 2023-2024, he added.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that Russia's United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation (UIMC) was developing a one-of-a-kind communications system for the PAK DA. The system will be capable of analyzing its state, making adjustments based on these findings and switching its operation modes.

The stealthy PAK DA, developed by the Tupolev design bureau, will fly at subsonic speeds and is designed to carry out missions which are currently assigned to three aircraft, the Tupolev Tu-160, the Tu-95MS and the Tupolev Tu-22M3.

The design for the PAK DA is believed to have been finalized and the project is currently in the next stage, which entails building a prototype.

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Look's like Russia is having some technical difficulties with trying to show off it's military.


Tu-95 Bear Bomber Crashes Near Russia’s Border With China
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July 14, 2015 9:47 AM

A Russian Tupolev Tu-95 Bear ‘H’ off the coast of Scotland in 2014. UK Royal Air Force Photo

A Russian Air Force strategic bomber has crashed outside the city of Khabarovsk, near the Chinese border, according to a Tuesday statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense via local media.

The Tupolev Tu-95MS Bear bomber went down during a training flight about 50 miles away from the headquarters of the Russian Eastern Military District, according to the statement provided .

“On July 14 at 9:50 A.M. Moscow time [2:50 EST] the Tu-95MS aircraft crashed while performing a scheduled training flight some 80 kilometers from Khabarovsk. The crew ejected,” the ministry said.
“According to preliminary information, after a report by the crew’s commander about an emergency situation, the flight control head ordered the crew to leave the plane by parachutes. The search and rescue groups are looking for the plane’s crewmembers.”

According to TASS, a search mission is underway composed of Antonov An-12 and two Mil Mi-8 helicopters to locate the seven missing crew.

As a assault of the crash, the Russian Air Force has grounded the Tu-95MS. Early reports suggest a technical problem resulted in engine failure of the Bear.


The crash is the latest in a spate of Russian Air Force crashes. A Tu-95 Bear suffered a burning engine on June 8

“On June 4, two accidents occurred in the Russian Air Force: the MiG-29 fighter jet crashed near the Ashuluk range, and in Voronezh the Su-34 bomber flipped over whilst landing. The pilots in both cases survived,” reported TASS.

“On July 3, the MiG-29 fighter jet fell near Krasnodar, the pilot managed to eject, and on July 6 the SU-24 crashed in the Khabarovsk territory, both pilots died.”

Russian air assets have been operating much more frequently since the seizure of the Crimean region of Ukraine in March 2014.

“Clearly [there’s] a linkage between the increased tempo of military operations undertaken over the last year and a half and the increased spate of accidents for military aircraft,” Paul Schwartz, with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, .
“It’s clearly taking a turn upwards.”

Variants of the prop driven Tu-95 has been in service with the Russian Air Force since the mid-1950s and have been seen as far afield as Alaska and the U.K. within the last year.

Bernard said:

...
Tu-95 Bear Bomber Crashes Near Russia’s Border With China
... Early reports suggest a technical problem resulted in engine failure of the Bear.
...

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most recently pretty official info (РИА)

popped up, says three engines failed ... all seven crew members (who had bailed out) were found: two of them dead

Jura said:

most recently pretty official info (РИА)

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popped up, says three engines failed ... all seven crew members (who had bailed out) were found: two of them dead

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God rest those personnel killed, and condolences and God's comfort to their family and friends.