The Russian Federation Navy: An Assessment of its Strategic ...

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The Russian Federation Navy: An Assessment of itsStrategic Setting, Doctrine and ProspectsJames BosbotinisKey Findings Russian grand strategy and military strategy is focused on the protection andprojection of Russia’s position as a Great Power. Russia identifies itself as a worldpower and the principal threat to its position as emanating from the United States andNATO. This provides the context for Russian military development which remainsfocused on high-intensity, state-on-state conventional and nuclear war-fighting. It isbelieved that Russia intends to increase defence spending by 60 per cent in the shortterm. The renewed interest and investment in sea power is a component of Russia’sincreasing assertiveness and desire for global influence and power. ContemporaryRussian maritime thinking is marked by a significant coherence in its aims, objectivesand synergies with wider Russian grand strategy. The continuing influence of AdmiralSergei Gorshkov on Russian naval thinking is also notable.Russia is looking to invest in a substantial expansion and enhancement of its navalforces over the long-term. This will focus particularly on nuclear-powered submarines,aircraft carriers (with embarked fifth generation aircraft) and guided-missile cruisers;the comprehensive regeneration of conventional surface combatant forces; thedevelopment of an enhanced amphibious capability; and the development ofenhanced Command, Control, Communications, Computing, Intelligence,Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance capabilities. Russia alsocontinues to invest in the development of naval strategic nuclear forces and isdeveloping conventional strategic systems and nuclear sub-strategic weapons.The Russian Navy continues to have major problems with readiness and the qualityof both personnel and equipment. The industrial base also remains a significant areaof concern. Attempts are being made to remedy both these areas but will requiresustained attention and investment. The Russian Navy is increasing its operationaltempo and participating in major combat exercises, primarily geared toward notionalcontingencies against the US and NATO; it is also looking to expand its presenceoverseas, in particular in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean region. Russia’s increasing interest in the Arctic constitutes a core factor in the long-termdevelopment of Russian grand strategy and its relations with other powers. The Arctichas been defined as a critical priority for Russia and the Navy assigned a central rolein the defence of Russia’s position and interests in the Arctic. That is, Russian grandstrategy in the twenty-first century will be to a notable extent, based on maritimeinterests.i
ContentsIntroduction 1The Evolution of Russian Grand Strategy and the Implications for MilitaryStrategy 3The Evolving Trajectory of Russian Grand Strategy 4The Implications for Military Strategy 5Contemporary Russian Maritime Thinking and Doctrine 9Maritime Doctrine 10The Basic Policy 12The Role of the Navy in Russian Military Doctrine 13The Current Posture of the Russian Navy 18The Long Term Development of the Russian Navy 23Conclusion 33Bibliography 36ii
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