Russia’s new maritime doctrine to strengthen Arctic presence
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has approved a new maritime doctrine that focuses on naval presence in the Arctic and the Atlantic.
At a meeting on Sunday, Putin approved amendments to Russia’s maritime doctrine of 2001, the key document setting out the country’s naval policy. The changes the new doctrine reflect “changes in the international political situation and the objective strengthening of Russia as a great naval power,” Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said at the meeting. Rogozin is Head of Russia’s newly established Arctic Commission and in charge of the defense industry and space industry.
The maritime doctrine covers four six regional areas: the Atlantic, Arctic, Pacific, Caspian, and Indian Ocean, and also Antarctica, as “a fair number of events involving Antarctica have taken place of late and this region is of considerable interest to Russia,” Rogozin is cited by the Kremlin website.
Response to NATO expansion
The main focus is on the Arctic and the Atlantic, emphasizing the importance of the Northern Sea Route and riches of the continental shelf, as well as the need for an answer to “NATO’s active development and the alliance approaching our borders.”
The amendments of the doctrine of 2001 includes a new section on shipbuilding. It calls for long-term technological independence in the fields of shipbuilding and naval equipment in accordance with the state armament program. Rogozin linked the new shipbuilding section to the growth of this industry in Russia over the past 10-15 years on a scale comparable to what was happening during the Soviet period.
The meeting took place on board the frigate Admiral of the Soviet Navy Gorshkov. Participants included Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, Commander of the Navy Viktor Chirkov, and Commander of the Western Military District Anatoly Sidorov.
Related stories from around the North:
Asia: Asia ahead on preparing for polar climate change, says U.S. Arctic rep, Eye on the Arctic
Canada: Arctic Council Ministerial – Winners and Losers, Blog by Heather Exner-Pirot
Denmark: Nordics to step up security cooperation on perceived Russian threat, Yle News
Finland: Finland confirms 6th Russian airspace violation in just over a year, Yle News
Norway: Norway must ramp up military in response to Russia: report, Barents Observer
Russia: Russian governor praises role of Barents Cooperation, Barents Observer
Sweden: New security landscape in the Arctic, Radio Sweden
United States: U.S. general says Alaska military cuts not final without Arctic plan, Alaska Public Radio Network
