Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Main Naval Parade in St Petersburg that the Navy would take on forty new vessels and ships of different classes with a focus on unique types of arms and specialized equipment.
"This year it [Navy] will take on forty new vessels and ships of different classes. The Navy’s unique advantages and an increase in its military capabilities will be achieved through the broad implementation of state-of-the-art digital technologies and hypersonic attack systems, the likes of which know no analogues in the world, in addition to unmanned submersible vehicles, all owing to very efficiently utilized defence resources," the head said.
The President also said that "a few days ago, Russia’s three leading shipyards laid the keels of another six open sea vessels" At the same time, he recalled that the Russian Navy is made up of ships equipped with high-precision weapons, strategic submarine cruisers and multi-purpose submarines, the newest airplanes and other aircraft, and with unique types of arms and specialized equipment. According to him, the technological level of equipment of the Russian Navy is constantly growing.
Putin noted that the Russian Navy performs the most difficult tasks with dignity, serving the Fatherland flawlessly. "Military ships sailing under the legendary St Andrew’s flag and all the Navy’s personnel accomplish the most difficult of objectives with honour," he said.
Addressing the sailors, veterans and all Russians, the President reminded that "for more than three centuries, the Navy has been guarding the sovereignty of Russia and firmly standing up for its interests." "Today we salute the guardians of maritime frontiers of the Fatherland, the brave heroes at sea – all those whose lives are forever tied to surface and submarine forces, maritime aviation, as well as fearless marines and all those who serve in coastal defence forces, who ensure the combat readiness of our Navy’s units, and, of course, all those who design and build new marine facilities," Putin added congratulating everyone on a "day commemorating Russia’s heroic Navy and its unfading glory.".
According to him, "the unique sea-faring soul of each sailor and officer is reflected in their impeccable service to our people and the Fatherland". Putin said that he was proud of the outstanding military victories of our great compatriots and their accomplishments, which include the discovery of Antarctica by Russian sailors. He recalled that 2020 marks the 200th anniversary of this globally important event. The President also paid respect and gave recognition to heroes of the Great Patriotic War, to all the generations of fleet commanders and sailors, shipbuilders and pioneers. "Thanks to their steadfastness, talent and devotion to the Fatherland, Russia has forever achieved the glory of being a great maritime power. And this historical continuity is indissoluble," he noted.
Unbreakable brotherhood and loyalty to duty
Putin noted the loyalty of Russian sailors to the service of duty. "It is the people who have been the main force of the nation’s Navy. Not all are cut out for serving in the Navy. One chooses this line of work, answering the call of the heart and with the understanding that such a choice requires courage, discipline, an iron will and the ability to live and work within a close-knit team, and maintain loyalty to traditions, the laws of the Navy’s indestructible brotherhood, which serves to unite sailors from the Baltic, Northern, Pacific, Black Sea fleets and the Caspian Flotilla," Putin said.
"Today, in a unified formation, we are witnessing together both ships from the past and our newest vessels, including our most modern ships, all under the control of brilliant crews for whom loyalty to duty, adherence to maritime foundations and treasuring the memory of their ancestors are sacred vows. Just like their love for the sea, their families and for their Fatherland," Putin added.
"I know this for certain: these sailors’ successors – their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, descendants of victorious sailors will never let the Fatherland down, and will be loyal to the covenants of the decorated Pavel Nakhimov, a great Russian admiral, that a sailor must think, first and foremost, about the glory of Russia and the national fleet. Congratulations. Long live the Navy!," the President concluded.
The President made the rounds of the waters of the Neva River on a presidential cutter. The head of state greeted the personnel of the crews, congratulating them on the Navy Day.
Before that, the President of the Russian Federation went around the front line of warships on the Kronstadt roadstead by boat, from where he then arrived in St. Petersburg by helicopter.
The Supreme commander-in-chief watched the parade from the stands on the Senate square in Saint Petersburg. The stands were also attended by veterans of the Navy, and Nakhimovs.
Among the ships that paraded along the Neva river are the Aleksandr Obukhov lead minesweeper, the Serpukhov small-size missile ship, the corvette Boyky, the frigate Admiral of the Fleet Kasatonov and the submarine Sankt Peterburg, Alexey Barinov and D-172 landing boats equipped with Katyusha rocket launchers, along with the Dimitrovgrad missile boat. In all, more than 40 aircraft and helicopters of maritime aviation, more than 4,000 service members, and 46 ships, boats and submarines.
Putin traditionally attends naval parades in St. Petersburg on the occasion of Navy Day, which is celebrated on the last Sunday in July.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS