The Russian Navy: A Blue-water Revival?
By Richard Winstanley
15 May 2008
Towards the end of his eight year reign as president of Russia, Vladimir Putin seemed increasingly determined to leave behind a legacy, and an ambitious one at that: to restore Russia’s status as a major global power. Russia’s gas and oil reserves and the continuing high level of oil prices have enabled Putin to be more assertive in the international political sphere. However, in order to project Russian influence convincingly with the full range of traditional instruments, the Kremlin needs modern and well equipped armed forces capable of expeditionary activity. Putin recognised this, and sanctioned a series of impressive and high-profile initiatives and procurement programmes with a particular focus on the Russian Navy. A strong navy would enable Russia to protect the resources that make the country a fledgling energy superpower,[1] whilst also reasserting its sphere of influence in Europe, now that American attention is focused elsewhere. But the plans might simply have been evidence of pre-election chicanery; with the elections now over, will the Kremlin continue to pursue this maritime agenda?
15 May 2008
Towards the end of his eight year reign as president of Russia, Vladimir Putin seemed increasingly determined to leave behind a legacy, and an ambitious one at that: to restore Russia’s status as a major global power. Russia’s gas and oil reserves and the continuing high level of oil prices have enabled Putin to be more assertive in the international political sphere. However, in order to project Russian influence convincingly with the full range of traditional instruments, the Kremlin needs modern and well equipped armed forces capable of expeditionary activity. Putin recognised this, and sanctioned a series of impressive and high-profile initiatives and procurement programmes with a particular focus on the Russian Navy. A strong navy would enable Russia to protect the resources that make the country a fledgling energy superpower,[1] whilst also reasserting its sphere of influence in Europe, now that American attention is focused elsewhere. But the plans might simply have been evidence of pre-election chicanery; with the elections now over, will the Kremlin continue to pursue this maritime agenda?
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