Russia: Putin’s Mandate to Focus on Navy Development in Arctic

Just a few hours upon Vladimir Putin’s inauguration ceremony in Kremlin on Monday, the newly elected Russian President passed his first decisions as the country’s leader , putting a focus on development of the Navy in the Arctic and the Far East, Barents Observer informed.

The move stems from a desire to protect Russia’s strategic interests and strengthen its position as military super power. That is why the first decrees of the president- elect have been predominantly directed to defense and foreign policy strategies, followed by modernization of weaponry, intelligence improvement and determining the limits of the Arctic continental shelf.

Keeping up with the technological developments will mean purchasing and replacing old military arsenal, with 70 % of modern equipment by 2020. In addition, this will also mean drafting of new man power by increasing the number of soldiers performing military service under contract to 50 000 people annually.

According to Putin, it is also necessary to determine properly the country’s external borders, including the limits of the continental shelf and surrounding maritime areas, thus safeguarding Russia’s national interests and paving the way for better relations with the neighboring countries.

All decrees have entered into force immediately.

[mappress] Naval Today Staff, May 08, 2012;