Russian President Vladimir Putin has unveiled a sweeping development strategy for the Russian Navy, outlining plans for a significant expansion and modernization through 2050.
The strategy, revealed during a meeting in St. Petersburg, emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies, including hypersonic weaponry and unmanned systems, while committing RUB 8.4 trillion ($100.8 billion) over the next decade for the construction of new warships.
The meeting, held in Russia’s historic naval capital, underscored the Kremlin’s commitment to bolstering its maritime capabilities amid evolving global challenges. Putin stressed the Navy’s crucial role in safeguarding Russia’s security and national interests in the world’s oceans.
“Our vessels must be able to effectively fulfill the entire range of tasks set for them now and in the future,” Putin stated, highlighting the necessity for a “new profile” for the Russian Navy in response to the “vigorous technological and digital revolution, robotisation, and the widespread implementation of unmanned systems.”
“In recent years, we have been implementing a large-scale Navy modernisation programme. From Kaliningrad to Vladivostok, Russia’s shipyards are engaged in the serial production of both surface ships and new missile submarines, including the state-of-the-art Project Borei-A and Project Yasen-M vessels. Significant funds have been allocated for this,” he added.
“Over the past five years, 49 ships of various classes have been built, and from 2020 to 2024, to this date, four Project Borei-A strategic submarines and four Project Yasen-M multipurpose submarines have been commissioned,” the president stressed.
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Russia’s Northern Fleet welcomes Project 955A submarine Knyaz Oleg Operations A key focus of the modernization program is the strategic nuclear forces, with Putin noting that the share of modern armaments and equipment in this domain has already reached 100 percent. He emphasized the need to maintain this level of modernization going forward.
The recent launch of the multipurpose submarine Perm, armed with Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles capable of speeds approaching Mach 10 and a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, exemplifies this technological push. Putin characterized the Zircon as “effectively a weapon capable of fulfilling strategic-level missions.”
In addition to hypersonic weaponry, the development strategy prioritizes the serial production of various classes of modern vessels equipped with advanced technology, including robotic systems and new-generation control, reconnaissance, communication, radar, hydroacoustic, and navigation systems.
Furthermore, a significant portion of the allocated funds will be dedicated to the development and production of domestic ship-based unmanned aerial systems, marine robotic systems, and unmanned submerged and surface boats. These systems are to be integrated into a unified reconnaissance and strike circuit, linked to Russia’s satellite constellation.
Russia’s president also addressed the importance of strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities, instrument-making, machine-tool, and related industries. He called for a thorough assessment of these industries’ capabilities and the full implementation of previous instructions related to shipbuilding development, with a particular focus on pricing issues and the development of Russian components and equipment.
The funds to be allocated for the construction of new warships over the next decade will be incorporated into the state armament program, reflecting the Kremlin’s commitment to substantial investment in naval expansion. The president stressed the necessity of considering these funds during the drafting of the state armament program, which hinges on the navy development program.
Putin also highlighted the importance of drawing on the experience of the special military operation in developing training programs for military sailors, ensuring that modern strategies and tactics of warfare are incorporated into training.