TSAMTO, August 1. The Admiral Gorshkov frigate will be the first in the Russian Navy to take up combat duty with the Zircon hypersonic missile systems, Russian President - Supreme Commander of the Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Putin said, speaking on July 31 at the Main Naval Parade.
The transcript of Vladimir Putin's speech is given below in the statement of the Kremlin's press service.
Vladimir Putin: Fellow sailors and petty officers, midshipmen and officers, generals and admirals!
Dear veterans!
Dear citizens of Russia!
I congratulate you on the Day of the Navy - a holiday that the people of Russia love and honor, dear to the heart of everyone who serves or served in our illustrious fleet.
We honor all of you – all generations of valiant guards of the maritime borders of the Fatherland, we remember the great naval commanders and fearless crews of warships of different eras, we thank the active sailors and officers for the highest military skill, courage, bravery and for devotion to the Motherland and our people.
The parades of warships are hosted today by the main bases of our fleet: Vladivostok, Baltiysk, Severomorsk, Kaspiysk and, of course, St. Petersburg - the maritime capital of the country. Here, in the waters of the ancient Neva and the legendary Kronstadt, our Main naval parade takes place.
This year it is timed to the 350th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the regular fleet of Russia - Peter the Great. Under his rule, Russia gained the status of a great maritime power, gained authority and influence in the world.
Peter the Great inextricably, forever linked the history of the fleet with the history of the Russian state. Since the beginning of its formation, the fleet has been and remains a participant in all the most significant, fateful events, and together with the country, with the people, it has been hardened in hard trials and great victories, multiplied its glory and power.
We are rightfully proud of this. From an early age, we have known examples of heroism and dedication of many generations of sailors, shipbuilders, researchers – people of special training and versatile knowledge.
Naval service is a vocation. Naval brotherhood, mutual assistance, contempt for difficulties, firm will – in the character of the commanders of ships, officers and all combat crews. The word of the sailors is unshakable, and the diligence is boundless.
These age-old traditions have been developed in the new Naval Charter of the Navy – today it was signed by me. The new Naval Doctrine of Russia has also been approved.
We have openly outlined the borders and zones of Russia's national interests – both economic, vital and strategic. First of all, these are our Arctic waters, the waters of the Black, Okhotsk and Bering Seas, the Baltic and Kuril Straits. We will ensure their protection firmly and by all means.
The key here is the capabilities of the Navy. He is able to respond with lightning speed to anyone who decides to encroach on our sovereignty and freedom, successfully and honorably performs strategic tasks on the borders of our country and in any area of the World Ocean, has a high readiness for active actions of his coastal, surface, air, underwater forces and means. They are constantly improving.
It is enough to mention the newest hypersonic missile systems "Zircon", which have no analogues in the world, for which there are no barriers. Dear comrades, their delivery to the Russian Armed Forces will begin in the coming months.
The frigate Admiral Gorshkov will be the first to take up combat duty with this formidable weapon on board. The area of service of the ship equipped with hypersonic cruise missiles "Zircon" will be chosen based on the interests of ensuring the security of Russia.
We will continue the large-scale construction of ships and vessels, marine scientific research programs. Big positive changes will take place in the coastal regions. And, of course, one of the main priorities remains the well-being of the families of sailors, shipbuilders, workers in all sectors related to the sea and the navy.
Dear comrades!
Modern conditions require us to take adequate, prompt and decisive actions. I am convinced that the current generation of sailors and officers is a reliable, indestructible support of the Fatherland.
For all of us, the Motherland is a sacred concept, and its protection is a high duty and the meaning of life for each of us.
I believe in you and thank you for your service.
Glory to the Russian Navy!
Hurray!
