Russian navy to be expanded by 30 new ships this year, Putin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that the country’s naval fleet will be augmented with the addition of 30 new vessels in the course of the year.

This statement was made during a naval parade in St. Petersburg, marking Navy Day.

“Presently, Russia is successfully carrying out large-scale tasks of its national maritime policy, and steadily enhancing the strength of its fleet.”

‘Just this year, we will incorporate 30 new vessels of various classes into our naval forces,” stated Putin during a live televised speech.

The President, who had previously inspected the naval vessels from a boat, delivered his address from a platform set up on one of the embankments of the Neva River.

He extended his felicitations to the members of the Naval Forces and all the citizens of Russia on the occasion of Navy Day.

“For centuries, our fleet has been and continues to be an indestructible protector of our homeland’s borders, its pride and glory,” asserted Putin.

He expressed gratitude towards the navy personnel for their impeccable performance of their duties and dedication to the nation.

“In the interests of Russia, our sailors put forth all their strength, display true heroism, and fight valiantly, much like our great forebears,” highlighted Putin, who refrained from making any direct reference to the conflict in Ukraine in his speech.

The naval parade in St. Petersburg and the Kronstadt roadstead on the Neva Bay saw the participation of nearly 40 vessels, including boats and submarines.

Naval parades commemorating Navy Day were conducted in major Russian ports today.

As context, Russia, being the largest country in the world by land area, has a significant coastline stretching along the Arctic and Pacific Oceans.

It also has strategic interests in various seas, including the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea.

Therefore, a strong and modern navy is crucial to Russia’s national security policy.

Over the years, the Russian navy has undergone considerable modernization.

The announcement of 30 new vessels is a continuation of this trend, representing Russia’s ongoing investment in naval power.

Navy Day is celebrated annually in Russia to honor its naval history and current maritime forces.

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