Key Points and Summary:
Once a formidable force during the Cold War era, the Russian Navy now finds itself grappling with challenges related to maintaining its status as a globally influential naval power.
Given the deteriorating condition of its surface fleet, which includes the problematic Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, along with a heavy dependence on less capable vessels like frigates and corvettes, Russia does not have the capability for extended blue-water missions.
— Despite having enhanced submarines and extended-range weaponry such as Kalibri and Tsircon missiles strengthening its military might, Russia faces weaknesses exposed by the conflicts in Ukraine.
The loss of the Moskva and Ukraine’s successful naval strategies underscore Russia’s failure to control even local waterways, not to mention competing with the unparalleled aircraft carrier fleet of the U.S. Navy.
-Russia’s naval limitations underscore its
broader struggles
in
modern warfare
.
Russia’s Troubled Navy: Why Projecting Force Continues to Be Challenging
The United States stands as one of the select nations capable of deploying significant military force globally. Although Russia might aspire to join this elite group, it currently lacks both the advanced technology and financial resources needed to maintain a worldwide naval presence.
The Russian Navy
The Russian Navy today is a shadow of the formidable maritime force that the Soviet Union had at its disposal during the Cold War. At its apex, the Soviet Navy operated an immense fleet with global reach, tailor-made to counter the navies of the United States and its NATO allies.
However, the
Soviet Navy
‘s international role was severely abbreviated by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of Cold War hostilities.
A clear illustration of the decline of the Soviet Navy can be seen in today’s Russian naval forces.
aircraft carrier program
— the modern Russian Navy relies on a single carrier, the
Admiral Kuznetsov
.
Modern Sea Power
Launched in 1985, this vessel has come to symbolize the challenges faced by the Russian Navy. Persistent mechanical issues, obsolete design elements, and mishaps during attempts at upgrades have transformed Admiral Kuznetsov into more of a ceremonial asset rather than a functional one. The constrained capabilities of Russia’s shipyards in constructing additional aircraft carriers—or even maintaining their lone carrier—highlight the nation’s broader maritime limitations.
diminished power projection
.
On the contrary, the United States Navy has
eleven aircraft carriers
, each carrying scores of fourth- and fifth-generation fighter jets. Unequaled in the annals of contemporary naval combat, the U.S. Navy stands as the epitome of American global influence through military might.
Although Russia retains a competent
submarine fleet
Including the newer Borei and Yasen-class submarines, its surface fleet has shrunk to include only smaller vessels like frigates and corvettes. These smaller ships do not have the range or armament necessary to function effectively as part of a blue-water navy.
Long-Range, Hypersonic, and Remote Deployment Weapons
Even with these difficulties, Russia still maintains
some power projection capabilities
, primarily through Moscow’s advanced long-range precision weaponry. The Russian Navy’s use of Kalibr cruise missiles and hypersonic Tsirkon missiles offers a reliable striking force, with its submarine fleet being an essential component—possibly the most critical one—of Russia’s nuclear triad.
The Conflict in Ukraine: A Challenge for the Russian Navy
Russia’s constraints in terms of naval capabilities become notably evident when considering its difficulties in extending its influence.
Ukraine
Even though they share an extensive land border and hold a notable military superiority, Russia hasn’t managed to exert control over the naval aspects of the conflict.
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet
Based in Crimea, this entity has played a crucial role in activities within Ukraine but has encountered numerous challenges. Among them, Ukrainian forces stand out for their effective use of asymmetric strategies such as unmanned maritime drones aimed at Russian vessels. The sinking of the Moskva, the leading ship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, in 2022 dealt a substantial setback to Russian naval reputation and clearly demonstrated its susceptibility to drone attacks from the sea.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s achievements in the Black Sea have impeded
Russian naval operations
and severely impacted its ability to dominate important naval areas. Efforts to blockade Ukrainian ports and curtail grain exports have faced strong pushback from countries around the world, highlighting the lack of international support that Russia enjoys.
This scenario highlights the extent of our vulnerability.
Russian Navy
A nation unable to manage the marine conditions close to its borders is likely to encounter substantial obstacles when aiming to assert dominance in global waters, considering the considerable logistical and operational difficulties associated with extended distant missions and prolonged deployments.
About the Author: Caleb Larson
Caleb Larson
He is an American multi-format journalist residing in Berlin, Germany. His journalism explores the overlap between conflict and societal issues, with a focus on American foreign policy and European security matters. Reporting from locations including Germany, Russia, and the U.S., his recent assignments have centered around the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where he provided comprehensive coverage of changing combat zones within the Donbas region and examined the impact of warfare on civilians and human welfare. Before this role, he served as a Defense Reporter at POLITICO Europe. Follow him for more insights.
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