Russia celebrates Navy Day. President Putin ignores the fact that this started badly with an attack on the Black Sea Fleet - as well as the war against Ukraine in general. In return, he announces that the Navy will soon receive hypersonic missiles and be able to react with "lightning speed".
Russian President Vladimir Putin put a new naval doctrine into effect on Naval Forces Day in St. Petersburg. Russia's sea borders, including those in the Arctic and the Black Sea, were also defined there. "We will ensure protection with all means and by all means," emphasized the Kremlin chief at a parade with warships.
At the same time, Putin announced that the new hypersonic sea missile "Zirkon" would soon be put into service. Delivery of the missiles will begin in the next few months, with the frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" being the first to be equipped with them. "The most important thing here is the capabilities of the Russian Navy," he says. "She is able to react with lightning speed to anyone who limits our sovereignty and freedom."
The new doctrine stated that the so-called US quest for dominance of the world's oceans was a "challenge to Russia's national security." The document, which Putin ceremonially signed, also stipulates that the military infrastructure on the annexed Black Sea peninsula of Crimea will be expanded. According to the doctrine, the construction of modern aircraft carriers is also planned.
At the performance in front of thousands of spectators, Putin did not directly address the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. He thanked the Navy for its missions, which it has carried out for centuries, and praised its high level of defense readiness. Russia also has numerous warships deployed in the Black Sea in attacks against Ukraine.
Before his speech, Putin inspected the parade on a boat during a trip from Kronstadt to St. Petersburg under overcast skies and intermittent rain. Shortly thereafter, in a demonstrative act of signing, he also confirmed the naval doctrine. Regarding the new hypersonic weapon Zirkon for the naval forces, Putin said that there were no obstacles for them. Their entry into service in 2021 was announced for the beginning of this year after reports of successful tests.
The hypersonic weapons have a multiple of the speed of sound of around 343 meters per second. They are a reaction to NATO, Putin said last year. Where exactly they will be put into service should be determined according to Russia's national interests, it said.
