Russia is crafting a way to bolster its naval capabilities over the next six years, a move Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday is a response to tensions with NATO.
“These proposals must ensure that our forces are reequipped with modern weapons and military equipment,” Russian news agencies quoted Shoigu as saying, Agence France-Presse reported. “I will not hide that this in large part is linked to events of recent months.”
SEE ALSO: Putin’s nuclear navy gets an upgrade: Russia christens new top-secret submarine
Since the Russian annexation of Crimea and its military involvement with eastern Ukraine, President Obama announced a $1 billion security plan for European allies who are worried about President Vladimir Putin’s long-term plans for the region, AFP reported.
In June, Russia christened a top-secret nuclear submarine named Severodvinsk.
“The Navy’s incorporation of the new nuclear submarine Severodvinsk is a significant step toward strengthening the undersea component of the Navy potential. Rejuvenation of the submarine forces has come to a practical stage,” Russia’s Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Chirkov said at the time.
Severodvinsk is fourth-generation vessel, the first Yasen K-560 nuclear submarine for Russia and the the 131st nuclear submarine built for the Russian Navy.
