The Russian army’s long-term restructuring and expansion efforts are aimed at preparing Russia for a future large-scale war against NATO. The country allocates expensive naval resources to areas outside Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to analysts, Russia’s deployment of expensive naval resources to areas outside of Ukraine and Eastern Europe is likely aimed at threatening NATO and allies in many regions.
Analysts have pointed out that the Kremlin regularly emphasizes that Russia is a naval power in the Pacific, seeking an equal defense partnership with China.
In addition, Russia took part in naval operations in the Sea of Okhotsk in May 2023, aimed at deterring Japan’s further support for Ukraine.
In addition, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia’s strategic interest in the Arctic during a meeting on the economic development of the Russian Arctic zone on December 11. This is a region in which Russia may intend to strengthen its naval capabilities, given Finland’s recent accession to NATO and Sweden’s upcoming accession to the Alliance.
“It is unclear whether Russian naval manufacturers will be able to produce strategic warships of the scale and quality desired by the Kremlin in the coming years,” the report says.
At the same time, Russia is continuing efforts to gradually mobilize its military-industrial complex and may decide to focus these efforts on naval manufacturers, ISW added.
