Russian Navy builds up capabilities, adjusts naval doctrine

The national interests of Russia in the World Ocean are crucial for its security amidst the backdrop of the large-scale war waged against it by the West. Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said at a meeting of the Marine Board in the Admiralty that Russia has been working on building up its capabilities and adjusting its Naval Doctrine to better address the ever-growing concerns from the ongoing war.

Borisov stated that "In the conditions of a total hybrid war of the collective West against our country, unprecedented sanctions and a special military operation in Ukraine, ensuring security is more relevant than ever. We need to build up our capabilities to ensure and protect national interests in the oceans. The adjustment of the Naval Doctrine takes into account changes in the geopolitical and the military-strategic situation in the world."

The new provisions, he said, of the doctrine addressed maritime mobilization training and maritime mobilization readiness. Furthermore, the new measure included the commissioning of civilian ships and crews into the Navy. This became part of the operation of maritime infrastructure at times of war. 

At a meeting of the Naval Board, which was held at the Admiralty, Borisov said, "Modern Russia cannot exist without a strong fleet. This year, it is planned to receive another 20 warships and five boats, as well as 21 support vessels".

This comes after the Russian Navy has accepted six warships and nine combat boats as well as 13 support vessels into service. Borisov also noted that 10 ships and six support vessels had been laid down as part of the state defense order in 2021. 

The new version of the doctrine fully addressed modern challenges and threats. It was not aimed at confrontation, but rather at increasing national security in the field of maritime activities, a great reduction in Russia's dependence on external influences and market conditions in various areas of maritime activities.