In a statement on Thursday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced that Russia plans to add over 40 new vessels to its navy this year. Putin stated that these upgrades will significantly enhance the country’s combat capabilities, as it continues to focus on strengthening its naval forces in the aftermath of the conflict with Ukraine.
The Russian president emphasized the importance of investing in naval infrastructure and acquiring new ships and boats to improve Russia’s strategic position in critical regions of the global ocean. He highlighted that these upgrades are essential for enhancing Russia’s combat effectiveness and ensuring its security interests are protected.
The significant losses suffered by Russia’s navy during the conflict in Ukraine have underscored the need for improvements in naval capabilities. Reports from the UK’s armed forces indicate that a quarter of Russia’s vessels in the Black Sea were either sunk or damaged during the conflict.
Putin has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the recent announcements about the naval upgrades as part of Russia’s efforts to enhance its naval capabilities. The defense ministry has not yet provided any details about which specific vessels will be added to the fleet or how they will be used in combat operations.