Oh, how they have fallen: the Russian Navy
A year ago, with oil at $150/bl the Russians started bragging how they were going to built a modern aircraft carrier equipped navy. Today, they are admitting they cant even keep up with retirements of old ships from the fleet.
In a statement that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago:
"In a recent conversation with reporters, Admiral Vysotsky said Russia is considering joint ventures with the French (to build aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships), and the possible purchase of submarines from Germany."
The purchase of submarines from Germany is especially interesting. Germany makes one of the most popular export subs: the Type 212, which is an advanced and well respected diesel attack sub with an optional AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) based on a fuel cell. The thing is, Russia had already built a successor to its popular and cheap Kilo class diesel sub - the Lada, which started sea trials in 2004. Why then would they be buying German (especially when a version of the Lada is designed for export?).
Because their shipyards are crap.
The interesting twist here is that Russia is keen to keep itself balanced against the US. It is likely to use its 'reduction' in its Navy as a bargaining chip for similar US 'reductions' of strategic forces. Specifically, it is pressing for the US to further cut back on or eliminate its boomber (SSBN) sub fleet and nuclear capable bombers. In the hands of I-understand-Russia-as-much-as-I-understand-healthcare Obama, it looks like there might actually be some movement in that direction.
In a statement that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago:
"In a recent conversation with reporters, Admiral Vysotsky said Russia is considering joint ventures with the French (to build aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships), and the possible purchase of submarines from Germany."
The purchase of submarines from Germany is especially interesting. Germany makes one of the most popular export subs: the Type 212, which is an advanced and well respected diesel attack sub with an optional AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) based on a fuel cell. The thing is, Russia had already built a successor to its popular and cheap Kilo class diesel sub - the Lada, which started sea trials in 2004. Why then would they be buying German (especially when a version of the Lada is designed for export?).
Because their shipyards are crap.
The interesting twist here is that Russia is keen to keep itself balanced against the US. It is likely to use its 'reduction' in its Navy as a bargaining chip for similar US 'reductions' of strategic forces. Specifically, it is pressing for the US to further cut back on or eliminate its boomber (SSBN) sub fleet and nuclear capable bombers. In the hands of I-understand-Russia-as-much-as-I-understand-healthcare Obama, it looks like there might actually be some movement in that direction.
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