Small and medium-sized ships provoked the "beam" of the Russian Navy, the main reason is the continuation of tradition and practical considerations
Military Commentary on the World
Russia’s "Izvestia" website reported on September 6 that the Russian Ministry of Defense may substantially modify the naval shipbuilding plan, cut some previously announced ambitious projects and adjust the focus of the plan.
It is reported that this adjustment mainly involves surface ships and submarines: In terms of surface ships, the Russian Ministry of Defense will purchase 2 additional 22350 (also known as the Gorshkov Marshal class) stealth guided missile frigates and 10 light frigates, of which The latter includes 8 Type 20380 Guardian-class light frigates and 2 Type 20385 light frigates; in terms of submarines, the Russian Navy has purchased 2 Type 885M Yasen-M-class nuclear submarines and 1 Type 677 Lada. Class diesel-electric submarine.
The outside world was quite surprised by this wave of "big" orders for the Russian Navy. After all, the purchase of more than 10 new ships at once is unprecedented for the Russian Navy.
The Russian Navy has high hopes for these new ships.
The two newly ordered 22350 frigates will supplement the other six ships of the same type under construction, and are expected to be installed in the Russian Northern Fleet, Pacific Fleet and Black Sea Fleet around 2027 to promote the rapid replacement of the Russian Navy’s current ocean-going warships.
Eight 20380-type light frigates have been upgraded. The upgrade mainly includes the installation of integrated stealth masts and the integration of powerful "bunkers" radar systems.
The newly purchased two "Yasen-M" class nuclear submarines increase the total number of submarines purchased to 11, which greatly strengthens the Russian Navy's anti-submarine, anti-ship and attack capabilities on land targets.
Through the Russian Navy’s large-scale increase of small and medium-sized ships, as well as the recent high-profile announcement by Russian officials that another 22800 "Karakut"-class small guided missile ship is expected to be delivered to the Russian Navy in the near future, it is not difficult to find small and medium-sized ships. Construction is placed in an important development position by the Russian Navy.
There are complicated and far-reaching considerations behind the Russian Navy's "favor" for small and medium-sized ships.
First of all, it meets the requirements of the Russian Navy’s mission.
According to Russia's new version of the "National Security Strategy," "Military Doctrine," and "Marine Doctrine" and other strategic documents, NATO's eastward expansion and its strengthening of military deployments around Russia are Russia's primary security threats.
At the same time, the United States, Britain and other NATO countries instigated the conflicts between Ukraine, Georgia and other countries and Russia, as well as the territorial disputes between Russia and neighboring countries in the Arctic region, and other issues have posed severe challenges to Russia's sovereignty, security and economic development.
According to the principle of military demand-driven equipment development, Russia believes that its current main security threats are concentrated in the surrounding areas, which determines the key mission areas of its navy in the surrounding areas of Russia and also determines the key construction content of the Russian navy.
In addition, the Russian high-level positions its navy as a "regional rather than global maritime power", and it is necessary to build a "unique" regional maritime power to achieve "the ability to counter any invaders". aims.
Under the guidance of the aforementioned military strategy, the Russian Navy has made small and medium-sized guided missile ships and nuclear-powered submarines a key development area.
Secondly, implement Russia's National Armament Plan 2018-2027.
According to Russia's "National Armament Plan 2018-2027", the Russian Navy's construction in the past 10 years has focused on submarines and small ships.
For surface ships, the Russian Navy will focus on the construction of several new light frigates of different models, and will also start mass production of the 22350 frigate, which has been delayed for a long time, and postpone larger ships (such as destroyers, amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers) indefinitely. To reduce the cost of naval construction.
In terms of submarine development, the Russian Navy’s plan mainly includes funding for the completion of the construction of 6 "Yasen-M" class attack nuclear submarines, and is likely to increase the number of their construction; for the "Oscar" and "Akura" class attack nuclear submarines Carry out modernization; carry out the construction of the fifth-generation attack nuclear submarine.
Comparing Russia's procurement plan with the previously announced "National Armament Plan 2018-2027", it can be concluded that the Russian Navy is gradually implementing the measures for the development of the navy in the "National Armament Plan 2018-2027".
Third, continue the tradition of emphasizing underwater power.
The Russian Navy pays attention to the continuation of the traditions of the Soviet period and the construction of underwater power.
The two newly purchased "Yasen-M" class submarines are the latest attack nuclear submarines of the Russian Navy. They can carry a variety of submarine-launched cruise missiles and can deter enemy aircraft carriers through the flexible use of torpedoes and new missiles. Occupy an important position in the navy.
In addition, the "Yasen-M" class submarine has low underwater noise and strong modern upgrade potential. It can serve in the fleet for a long time. It can also be modified to carry the "Zircon" hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile, making it attack large The capabilities of surface ships are further enhanced.
Regarding the "Lada" class submarine purchased this time, it is reported that it will be deployed in the Baltic Fleet together with the five similar submarines previously ordered.
It is small in size and has a variety of weapons, including "caliber" cruise missiles, which is very suitable for operations in the Baltic Sea. It also enhances the deterrence of the Russian navy in the region.
Fourth, the helplessness limited by current shipbuilding technology.
The Russian media has repeatedly stated that Russia's domestic shipbuilding industry is weak, and it is technically difficult to provide the Navy with reliable large surface ships.
At the same time, Russia’s limited military expenditure is also difficult to meet the Navy’s large-scale research and development and construction of new warships, and funding is often "stretched."
In addition, Russia has long since abandoned the concept of arms race-style ship building and has focused on activating its old combat resources.
Russian Defense Minister Shoigu emphasized: “It must be recognized that the current limitations of the Russian Navy’s capabilities must be focused on the development of various new types of frigates.” Earlier, the Russian Navy mentioned that the 20380 light frigate will be discontinued and will Procurement of the 20386 new type of light frigate, the latter adopts an "integrated stern" and a replaceable containerized weapon system module design, which represents a new direction for the construction of warships in Russia and the world.
Now that the Russian Navy abandons the new type of light frigate, it is inevitable to guess that the 20386 type light frigate may have encountered difficulties in research and development, cost control, or construction of container weapon systems.
In addition, from a certain perspective, the Russian Navy has purchased a large number of mature surface ships, submarines and weapon systems this time. It also wants to enhance its strength through stable and reliable combat systems and update the old surface ships in the shortest time. And submarines in order to grasp the advantage in the future offshore naval battle.
(Author's unit: Shijiazhuang Campus of Army Infantry Academy)