President Vladimir Putin on Sunday signed a new naval doctrine, which shows the United States as the main rival and sets out Russian global maritime ambitions for crucial areas like the Artic and the Black Sea.
Russia’s Navy Day
Russia’s Navy Day was celebrated in the former imperial capital of St Petersburg. It was founded by Tsar Peter the Great. Putin praised Peter for making Russia a great naval power and increasing the standing of the Russian state at a global level.
Along with Putin, Sergei Shoigu, the defense minister, and Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, the head of the Russian navy attended the Navy Day parade. The Russian sailors marched during the parade to mark Navy Day.
The Russian corvette Aleksin fire missiles were a part of the parade in the Baltiysk, Kaliningrad region. Russian warships sailed during the parade. Su-25 jet aircraft released colorful smoke of the Russian state flag during the parade, while the members of the Russian military band marched.
First, Putin inspected the Navy. This was followed by a short speech in which he gave a word that what he touted as Russia’s unique Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles, cautioning that Russia had the military clout to defeat any potential aggressors.
Right before the speech, he signed a new 55-page naval doctrine. It sets out the broader strategic aims of the Russian navy. It also includes its ambitions as a ‘great maritime power’ that extends over the whole world.
According to the doctrine, the main threat to Russia is “the strategic policy of the USA to dominate the world’s oceans”. It also points out the NATO military alliance near Russian borders.
Russia looks forward to using its military force aptly to the situation in the oceans of the world. Russia does not have many navy bases around the world. Acknowledging the fact, the doctrine says that soft powers and diplomatic and economic tools are exhausted.
Russian priority is clear. It is to develop naval and strategic cooperation with India. It also includes wider cooperation with Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other states in the geography.
“Guided by this doctrine, the Russian Federation will firmly and resolutely defend its national interests in the world’s oceans,and having sufficient maritime power will guarantee their security and protection,” the document said.
There was no mention of the conflict in Ukraine. The doctrine, however, envisages a “comprehensive strengthening of Russia’s geopolitical position” in the Azov and Black seas.
During the five months of the Ukraine conflict, Russia’s relations with the West have gone through a deepening strain.
The United States has repeatedly pointed out that Russia is trying to militarize the Arctic Ocean. As per the doctrine, this region holds particular importance for Russia.
Russian coastline is vast, at about 37,650 km. It stretches from the White Sea to the Sea of Japan. The Black Sea and the Caspian Sea are also included.
The delivery of Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles to the Admiral Gorshkov frigate shall begin within a few months. Putin added that its deployment’s locations will depend on Russian interests.
“The key thing here is the capability of the Russian navy… It can respond with lightning speed to all who decide to infringe on our sovereignty and freedom.”Â
Hypersonic weapons are capable of traveling nine times the speed of sound. Russia conducted previous test launches of the Zircon from submarines and warships in the past year.
Navy Day celebrations canceled in Crimea : Putin
The governor of the Crimean Peninsula said that the Navy Day celebrations were called off the post a drone attack by Ukraine on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters. According to him, around six were injured in the attack. However, Ukraine has denied this Crimean attack.
