Russian President Vladimir Putin called the expansion of Russia’s submarine fleet “crucial” in ensuring Russia’s sovereignty and security, the state-run TASS news agency reported Thursday.
At a meeting in Severodvinsk, in Russia’s northern Arkhangelsk region, Putin said that “the Navy's submarine forces play a crucial role in ensuring Russia's sovereignty and security, protecting its interests and making a significant contribution to regional and global stability.”
Putin noted that, over the past six years, the Russian Navy has received five Borei-A class strategic missile submarines and four Yasen-M class multipurpose submarines.
Looking ahead, Putin said that the Navy is set to receive four more nuclear-capable Borei-class submarines in the coming years.
“Two of them are currently under construction,” Putin clarified. “These latest-generation strategic submarines are armed with Bulava ballistic missiles,” he said, referring to a submarine-launched ballistic missile first deployed in 2019.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that the Russian fleet currently includes 12 submarines capable of carrying nuclear weapons, and that the subs were equipped with 192 missiles.
For comparison, SIPRI data show that the U.S. Navy operates 14 strategic submarines, armed with 280 missiles.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
