Russian President Vladimir Putin put a new naval doctrine into effect on Naval Forces Day in St Petersburg. Russia’s maritime boundaries, including in the Arctic and the Black Sea, were also defined there. “We will ensure protection with force and by all means,” the Kremlin chief said in a parade of warships today.
At the same time, he announced that the new hypersonic naval missile “Zirkon” would soon enter service. Delivery of the missiles will begin in the coming months, and the frigate Almirante Gorshkov will be the first to be equipped with them.
The new doctrine claimed that the US quest for dominance of the world’s oceans was a “challenge to Russia’s national security”. The document, which Putin ceremonially signed, also stipulates that the military infrastructure on Crimea’s annexed Black Sea peninsula will be expanded. According to the doctrine, the construction of modern aircraft carriers is also planned.
In the presentation in front of thousands of spectators, Putin did not directly address the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. He thanked the Navy for its missions, which it has been carrying out for centuries, and praised its high level of defense readiness. Russia also has several warships deployed in the Black Sea in attacks against Ukraine.