Conversion: Navigation Institute

This document, a JPRS report from November 1992, details the transformation of the Scientific-Research Navigational-Hydrographic Institute (NINGI) located on Vasilyevskiy Island in St. Petersburg. Historically a secretive military unit under the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the institute is described as having been isolated from the broader scientific community. The report highlights that the institute has long been responsible for national research in navigation and hydrography, including the development of onboard apparatus for sea and air navigation and the tracking of ships and other objects using artificial satellites. A significant detail mentioned in the text is that the institute has accumulated a substantial amount of research material regarding 'UFO-ology' over many years. Following the political and economic changes in Russia, the institute faced the threat of closure due to funding cuts. To survive, leadership, including Deputy Chief Captain 1st Rank Sergey Alekseyev, sought to move away from excessive secrecy. This led to the hosting of a scientific and technical conference titled 'The Modern Status and Problems of Naval and Air Navigation,' which invited civilian and international participants. The institute is now tasked with creating a federal radio-navigation plane for Russia, integrating civilian and military efforts.