Russia’s Vast Naval Modernization Set Back By War In Ukraine

Russia’s Grand Naval Modernization Faces New Challenges

For the last 15 years, Russia has been working to upgrade and modernize its navy. This effort was meant to bring the Russian Navy back from the struggles of the 1990s, a time when it was not very strong. The goal was to make the fleet more modern, with new and improved ships and submarines.

This modernization led to advanced submarines, like the nuclear-powered Severodvinsk (Yasen) class, which are considered some of the best in the world. Russia also developed powerful new weapons, like the Zircon hypersonic missile, and loaded smaller ships with Kalibr cruise missiles. For a while, modernizing the navy seemed more important to Russia than updating the air force or army.

Problems for Russia’s Navy

However, the war in Ukraine has created big problems for Russia’s naval plans. The Russian economy is under stress because of the war, and there are political and financial issues too. This has affected many of Russia’s modernization projects, especially in the navy.

One of the largest warships, the Admiral Kuznetsov, has been in repairs for years, and many of its sailors have been sent to fight in Ukraine. Another huge warship, the nuclear-powered battle cruiser Admiral Nakhimov, has also seen delays. This ship has been out of action since 1999, and its return to service has been pushed back again and again.

Even Russia’s submarine projects, which have always been a priority, are feeling the impact. The submarine Khabarovsk, which will carry the ‘Poseidon’ nuclear torpedoes, is far behind schedule. It was supposed to be finished years ago, but it still hasn’t left the construction site.

Impact of the Ukraine War

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has taken resources away from the navy. The money and materials needed for naval upgrades are now being used on the battlefield. Russia is facing shortages of key equipment like artillery, and some gaps are being filled by supplies from North Korea. This includes heavy guns that don’t match Russia’s standard equipment, making things more difficult.

The costs of repairing and modernizing major warships have also skyrocketed. The expenses are huge, but the benefits seem small. Many experts think that these efforts are more about showing off than about making the navy stronger.

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Decline of Russian Naval Power

Russia’s ambitious naval projects are slowing down. Submarines, once a major threat to NATO in the Atlantic, are no longer being built as quickly. Some new submarines are still impressive, but many of Russia’s older designs are falling behind. The Lada-class submarines, for example, have not been very successful, and Russia continues to rely on the older Kilo-class submarines. Meanwhile, other countries like China, South Korea, and Japan have surpassed Russia in submarine technology.

The modernization of large warships is also struggling. The aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov’s repairs are dragging on, and the same is true for the Admiral Nakhimov. Even if they do return to service, these ships may not be as powerful or effective as once hoped.

What’s Next for the Russian Navy?

The future of the Russian Navy looks uncertain. Some advanced submarines will remain, and they will still pose a threat, especially to NATO. But Russia’s fleet may shrink, much like it did in the 1990s. The focus on repairing old, large ships might be more about national pride than real military strength.

In Russian media, there are reports that the Admiral Nakhimov will sail again soon, but there’s a catch. It may sail without its nuclear reactors running, making it more of a symbolic gesture than a display of power.

Russia’s hopes might also depend on the international situation. A change in U.S. leadership could shift the course of the war in Ukraine, possibly easing pressure on Russia’s military. But even if that happens, the damage to Russia’s naval plans may already be too severe to fix quickly.

The Russian Navy, once a major focus of military improvement, now seems to be moving back to the underfunding and decay seen decades ago. This decline, caused in part by the conflict in Ukraine, could mean that Russia’s naval power will not be what it once hoped. The current projects, even if completed, might not match the expectations set years ago.

Conclusion

Russia’s naval modernization, which once aimed to bring the navy back to Cold War levels, is now in trouble. The war in Ukraine has forced Russia to shift its priorities, leaving some big naval projects unfinished or delayed. This change suggests a return to the struggles of the past, where money and resources are too stretched to make real progress.