Russia Adds More Naval Muscles Despite Crippling Western Sanctions

Russia continues to grow its naval fleet with the commissioning of three new vessels before the end of 2022. This came despite the ongoing war in Ukraine stretching its resources and Western sanctions seeking to hurt its military-industrial capacity.

The Russian Navy commissioned three new vessels on Dec. 29, including a project 955A Borey-A class submarine Generalissimus Suvorov, a project 12700 Alexandrit-class MCM ship Anatoliy Shlemov, and a project 21631 Buyan-M class Grad vessel, the Naval News reported Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu attended the event via video link.

While the strategic nuclear-powered submarine Generalissimus Suvorov (K-553) is the most important addition to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet, the Buyan-M corvette will add Kalibr missile firepower to the Baltic Fleet, according to the outlet.

The Generalissimus Suvorov belongs to the fourth generation of nuclear-powered submarines developed for the Russian Navy under the improved Borei-A Project, according to the Russian news agency TASS. Compared to the baseline Borei series, the Borei-A subs reportedly features better acoustic stealth, maneuvering and deep-sea running capabilities, and an improved armament control system.

The deployment of the submarine, which completed testing in the White Sea in November 2022, will increase the force of nuclear-powered submarines in the Russian Pacific Fleet.

The submarine, which can carry up to 16 nuclear-tipped Bulava missiles, will sail to the Kamchatka Peninsula next summer via the Northern Sea Route, according to The Barents Observer.

Three more Borey-As are reportedly under construction as of now, and two more have been ordered by Russia. These submarines will form the main class of the Russian submarine fleet, replacing the remaining Kalmar and five Delfin-class submarines.

Notably, the deployment of new naval assets came at a time when Western sanctions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine aimed to cripple Russia’s military-industrial complex. Countering the sanctions, Moscow has been attempting to put Russia’s economy on a war footing as the war in Ukraine shows no sign of coming to an end.

At a November 2022 meeting of a special council to coordinate military supplies, President Putin urged Russia’s defense industry to increase production and improve the quality of equipment.

Factories in Russia producing military equipment are working nonstop and even withdrew New Year holidays from employees, as per a TASS report.

“Rostec’s factories involved in fulfilling state contracts are working almost around the clock and their staff are showing self-sacrifice and understanding in relation to the increased workload,” Rostec Sergei Chemezov, head of state defense military conglomerate, reportedly told the state news agency Monday.