On the day of the Russian Navy, President Vladimir Putin approved a new Naval Doctrine. The previous document was valid for seven years and, as experts point out, has lost its relevance. What provisions of the new doctrine are worth paying attention to? How will its adoption affect the development of the fleet and what does Russia's new maritime policy mean for the world?
On Sunday, President Vladimir Putin approved a new Naval Doctrine and Naval Charter. The signing ceremony took place in the building of the State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg in the Peter and Paul Fortress before the start of the Main Naval Parade.
Speaking at the parade, the President noted: in the new Maritime Doctrine, Russia "has designated the boundaries and zones of its national interests – both economic, and vital, 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," he said.
The Head of state called the capabilities of the Navy a key factor in this issue. "He is able to respond with lightning speed to anyone who decides to encroach on our sovereignty and freedom," Putin stressed.
The new Maritime Doctrine (the full version of the document can be found here) identifies the main threats to Russia's security. Among them is the goal of the United States to dominate the oceans and their global influence on the development of international processes. In addition, NATO's advance to the Russian borders and the intensification of naval exercises near the seas adjacent to Russia are named as a threat.
Among the risks of maritime activity, Russia's significant dependence on sea transportation is indicated, the inconsistency of the state and composition of the research fleet with modern requirements and the scale of tasks, as well as sanctions that relate, among other things, to shipbuilding enterprises.
Experts note that the new version of the Naval Doctrine is a well–developed document that is designed to improve the situation in the Russian Navy. In addition, the document reflects today's geopolitical reality, and one of the important advantages of the doctrine is its clarity and structuring.
"This is a good, detailed document. First, it is worth paying attention to the General situation. There are basic concepts that can be used both when working with the document and when evaluating our naval activities," a researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) said in a conversation with the newspaper VZGLYAD RAS Ilya Kramnik.
It is equally important that the document immediately gives the concepts of "national maritime policy", "maritime activities" and "national interests". "All the main threats and challenges to national security that we have at sea, including both anthropogenic and natural moments, are well named. And most importantly, the regional division is given in great detail and concretely," he noted.
"The world ocean is very clearly divided into regions. And each of them has its own specific set of tasks. They will be carried out by both the Navy and civilian structures that are engaged in maritime activities. The state should create the appropriate infrastructure and establish legal regulations," the source added.
"This set allows us to consider the doctrine as a very specific document that sets clear and verifiable goals. If they are not carried out, then very specific persons will be responsible for this. That is, it is a truly working tool, and not a set of good wishes," Kramnik says.
The document is also intended to show the world our intentions, the interlocutor is sure. "We show that we continue our activities in the World Ocean. In addition, Russia will not abandon the construction of a navy, as well as an economic and military presence in key regions. Moreover, it becomes clear to everyone that we define our goals and objectives based on national interests, regardless of who thinks about it," Kramnik says.
At the same time, the expert does not yet undertake to predict for what period of time all the goals will be achieved. "Each of the tasks can be implemented in a different volume. And the current tasks correspond to today's world realities. Over time, they will change, and after them, the tasks. As for the issue of money, the current budget is quite sufficient," he explained, adding that it is important to effectively manage the available resources.
The expert also believes that the new Naval Doctrine may open up additional opportunities for the development of shipbuilding. "There are positions where we occupy, if not a leading position, then a very high one. We are indisputable leaders in the construction of nuclear submarines and missile weapons," the interlocutor listed. At the same time, it is necessary to improve the operation of control systems, targeting and communication, as well as the use of various types of drones.
Separately, the expert drew attention to the issue of the construction of aircraft carriers. "The doctrine says that we must maintain the production capacity that will allow us to build aircraft carriers. And whether the potential will be realized or not is a question of specific documents that will be adopted as part of the implementation of the Maritime Doctrine," Kramnik believes.
"The maritime doctrine is our response to the threats posed by the United States and NATO in all directions, including the Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic and separately the Kaliningrad Region. It should also take into account the likely inclusion of Finland and Sweden in NATO," military expert, captain of the 1st rank of the reserve Vasily Dandykin said in a conversation with the newspaper VZGLYAD.
"The document states that, if necessary, Russia can establish its bases in other countries of the world, where it is appropriate from the point of view of protecting communications, civilians and our interests in Africa, Asia and Latin America," the source said.
Dandykin pointed out that the Maritime Doctrine also identifies areas of national interests, primarily in the Kuril Islands and the Arctic. He recalled that the Russian Ministry of Defense proposed to oblige foreign military and state vessels to enter the waters of the Northern Sea Route only with a diplomatic permit. "This will put an end to the ambitious attempts of the United States to create trouble for us in this direction," the military expert stressed.
"As for the Ship's Charter, also adopted today, it is a document of official use, which also meets the new realities. Now a number of new ships are being built, new weapons are being received," Dandykin added. – As the Supreme Commander–in-Chief said, these are hypersonic Zircon missiles that have no analogues in the world. Despite great efforts, the US military has not been able to come close to creating anything like this." The Navy, despite sanctions and pressure from the West, will receive both new ships and new weapons. Dandykin also recalled that the Ship's Charter was adopted in the 90s. "Now there is a need to clarify, "look around in the compartments," as the sailors say," said the captain of the 1st rank of the reserve.
"Russia is not only a great land power, which is obvious from the borders, but also a great sea power. Our country is distinguished by the world record area of the marine water area – 8.6 million km2. Russia is washed by three oceans – the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. Western colleagues should understand that the era of a multipolar world is coming and in this world Russia's policy on the seas and oceans will be different," Dandykin emphasized.
In turn, the captain of the III rank of the reserve Maxim Klimov, in a conversation with the newspaper VZGLYAD, pointed out the ambitiousness of the goals set. "Now it's up to the industry, which will have to create new ships, and the personnel of the fleet, which will have to master them to the fullest," the interlocutor says. –
The implementation of the new Naval Doctrine will obviously require a partial redistribution of funds and money allocated to the Navy. Perhaps funds should be redirected from the construction of submarines to surface ships, including aircraft carriers, and naval aviation."
Klimov also did not rule out that in the future it is possible to develop success in the field of hypersonic technologies. "At the same time, it must be clearly understood that the full realization of the capabilities of hypersonic missiles requires a high-quality reconnaissance and targeting system. And this is one of the most important priorities for the development of the Russian Navy and Armed Forces," he stressed.
"Also, the new Naval Doctrine is an obvious challenge to the United States. This is a kind of statement of readiness to challenge the dominance of the United States in the oceans to ensure the fulfillment of the tasks facing Russia," Klimov concluded.
Alyona Zadorozhnaya
