New Aircraft Carriers, Submarines for Russian Navy
Russia has outlined plans to modernise its Navy through the construction of a number of new aircraft carriers, as well as by modifying its existing nuclear submarine fleet.
Russia’s naval strength is considerably less than what it was during the time of the Cold War. However – the nation’s finances rejuvenated through soaring oil exports – the country is keen to boost its standing among the dominant global militaries.
On July 27th, news agency RIA quoted comments made by Vladimir Vysotsky, a Russian Navy commander, who spoke of the plan to construct up to six naval battle groups imminently.
Naval Battle Groups
"We call this a sea-borne aircraft carrier system that will be based on the Northern and Pacific fleets", he explained, adding: "The creation of such systems will begin after 2012."
The carrier groups, Vysotsky added, would operate alongside other elements of the armed forces, including air force aircraft and satellites.
Russian Sea Power
The Russian Navy operates a single aircraft carrier – the 20+ year old Nikolai Kuznetsov – whose fleet of aircraft is smaller than the equivalent carried by US Navy carriers.
Power-wise, it uses steam turbine propulsion, as opposed to the nuclear-power employed by the majority of carriers in use today.
Nuclear-Powered Submarines
According to Vysotsky, Russia’s nuclear-powered Borei class submarine inventory will be upgraded.
The launch of the initial submarine in this class, named ‘Yuri Dolgoruky’, occurred earlier this year, and it is anticipated that the type will enter full Russian Naval service within the next five months.
Construction on two further Borei submarines is presently underway.
"Starting with the fourth submarine, we will begin modernizing this class", Vysotsky stated, adding: "The modernized Borei submarines will be the core of Russian naval nuclear forces until 2040."
He continued: "We are aspiring not only to introduce new technologies, not only to compete with the West, but to take completely new steps which would allow us to look at submarine technologies of the middle of the 21st century."
Nuclear Missiles
Finally, the commander spoke on the issue of Bulava-M – a new long range nuclear missile for which, it is intended, the Borei subs will provide a launch pad.
The missile’s entry into service, he stated, will occur before the end of 2008.
"Despite the fact that there are still some glitches, the missile will all the same learn how to fly", he asserted.
"Not just to fly, but also to use all the potential invested in it."
Source – Armed Forces International’s Naval Expert
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