Restart of the Russian Navy? Russia’s naval capabilities are currently being significantly expanded. In 2024, the fleet is planned to be expanded by twelve surface warships and four submarines. Despite the international sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine, Russia claims to have achieved complete import substitution in shipbuilding, thus ensuring self-sufficiency.

– The Russian Navy’s newest addition, the Lada-class diesel-electric submarine Kronshtadt, recently joined the Northern Fleet and more submarines are expected shortly.

– These developments indicate a significant increase in Russian naval power and are a cause for concern given China’s growing naval presence.

Kremlin’s naval buildup: What 2024 holds for the Russian fleet

The United States is increasingly focusing on the size of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), which is now the largest naval force in the world. But China may not be the only potential problem.

According to reports from the Kremlin, the Russian Navy will receive 12 surface warships and four submarines in 2024 – and it also claimed to have achieved full import substitution in the construction of these vessels. Import-substituting industrialization (ISI) is a policy typically implemented by developing countries with the intention of enabling domestic development and self-sufficiency by creating a domestic market. However, Russia faced international sanctions following its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.

“We have achieved 100 percent import substitution in the construction of ships for the Russian Navy. No sanctions can affect the construction and commissioning of warships today,” Russian State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Viktor Yevtukhov told reporters this week, state media outlet Tass reported.

In 2024, the Russian Navy may commission the largest number of ships not seen in decades, Yevtukhov added, explaining that 20 years ago, the commissioning of a warship was considered an “exotic event,” while today it is a normal development. The Russian Navy received only 40 surface ships and 24 submarines in the last decade, while a decade earlier only three submarines were built.

The pendulum has swung again in the Kremlin’s favor.

“The fleet receives a surface warship or a strategic or diesel-electric submarine practically every month,” the minister explained. “The good quality of work of the shipbuilders helps to meet all deadlines and build the most modern warships in the world.”

The newest submarine has joined the fleet

At the beginning of this year, the Brasov diesel-electric submarine from Lada-class submarine (Project 677) officially joined the Russian Navy during a flag-raising ceremony at the Admiralty Shipyard in St. Petersburg. The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the submarine had joined the Kola Flotilla of the Northern Fleet.

“This is a day of celebration for the Navy, as we are receiving a new generation submarine based on new physical principles and equipped with powerful weapons. The submarine will operate in a brigade of the Northern Fleet,” said Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov at the ceremony, adding that the newest boat had demonstrated its reliability, maneuverability and stealth capabilities during tests.

The ceremony was also attended by Yevtukhov, the commander of the Northern Fleet Alexander Moiseyev, as well as representatives of the United Shipbuilding Company and the shipyard.

The Brasov is supported by at least one other Lada-class submarine in the coming months.

“The Veliki Luki “The submarine will be accepted into the Navy this year,” Yevmenov told reporters. “The shipbuilders have kept their word and promised. The tests are still ongoing.”

All Project 677 submarines are deployed in the Northern Fleet.

Project 677 submarines are fourth-generation non-nuclear boats designed for independent operations against surface warships and submarines in designated areas, cruise missile attacks on ground targets and anti-submarine defense of coastal areas. Surface displacement is 1,750 tons, length is 68 meters, full submerged speed is 21 knots, and surface speed is 7 knots. Each boat is armed with Kalibr missiles and six 533 mm torpedoes, and the crew consists of 35 officers and sailors.

Author’s experience and expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a writer from Michigan. He has published over 3,200 articles for more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites in his twenty-year career as a journalist. He writes regularly about military equipment, weapons history, cybersecurity, politics and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Author for Forbes and Clearance jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciuYou can send an email to the author: (email protected).

All images are Creative Commons and/or Shutterstock.