The signing ceremony at the St. Peter and Paul Fortress, a landmark building housing the Petersburg State Historical Museum, marked the formal ratification of the New Naval Doctrine and the Naval Ship Charter. President Vladimir Putin stated that the Naval Doctrine defines the tasks needed to safeguard Russia’s security and national interests, asserting that protection will be provided decisively and by all available means.
The Naval Doctrine issued on 17 June 2015 was declared invalid, and the Charter of Ships modifies the internal service, garrison, and guard charters of the Russian Armed Forces. Both documents take effect immediately upon signing and outline the framework for naval operations and administration moving forward.
Putin highlighted that the true measure of strength lies in the Navy’s capabilities. Russia can respond with extraordinary speed to any challenge to its sovereignty and freedom. He noted that the fleet reliably fulfills strategic tasks along Russia’s borders and at sea in every region of the world. He added that naval forces, including coastal, surface, air, and submarine components, are in high readiness and subject to continual advancement.
Separately, Putin discussed the barrier-free Zircon hypersonic missile system. He indicated that the hypersonic complex will enter service with the fleet in the coming months. The frigate Admiral Gorshkov is slated to be the first ship equipped with Zircon missiles.
He explained that the ship’s operational area, armed with Zircon hypersonic and cruise missiles, would be selected to best support Russia’s security interests.
“US Opposition”
The updated Naval Doctrine introduces several important changes. Whereas the 2015 doctrine framed NATO’s growing military potential as the external threat, the new edition identifies the United States and its allies as the principal strategic danger.
According to the Kremlin document, the main challenges to Russia’s security and development in the context of the World Ocean include the United States’ drive for global dominance and its influence over international processes, including transport networks and energy flows. The World Ocean’s resources are highlighted as a central concern.
The document also warns about Washington and its allies seeking to limit Russia’s access to maritime resources and key shipping routes, and about attempts by the U.S. Navy to gain superiority over other nations. It notes risks of political, economic, informational, and military pressure designed to undermine maritime activity and Russia’s effectiveness within the oceans.
The doctrine identifies critical regions impacting national security and the economy, including major maritime transport corridors through the Kuril and Baltic Straits, the Black Sea, the eastern Mediterranean, and waters off Asia and Africa.
One notable risk concerns the insufficient number of overseas naval bases for Russia. Additional challenges include foreign restrictions on Russian shipbuilding, oil and gas companies in the defense industry, and limitations on transferring modern technologies, equipment, and long-term financing.
military gain
Under the new doctrine, Moscow reserves the right to use military force in vital areas of the World Ocean after pursuing all political, diplomatic, and non-military avenues. In regions that are not deemed vital, Russia prioritizes non-violent means such as diplomacy and information campaigns.
Plans call for strengthening the Black Sea Fleet bases in Crimea and enhancing Russia’s geopolitical influence in the Black Sea and Azov Seas. The doctrine also seeks to secure an international legal framework for exploiting water resources, hydrocarbon deposits, and underwater pipelines in these seas.
It emphasizes the modernization and expansion of the Black Sea Fleet’s power and infrastructure, particularly in Crimea and along the Krasnodar Territory coast. The doctrine identifies the development of aircraft carrier construction as a top priority for Russian shipbuilding, alongside the deployment of advanced digital technologies and platforms across the ship life cycle. A core objective is to maximize local production within the Russian Federation.
Among the priorities is building a capable shipbuilding complex that can deliver large-capacity vessels, including modern aircraft carriers for the navy, as stated in the doctrine.
Transportation accessibility of Kaliningrad
The doctrine outlines routes and infrastructure to improve Kaliningrad’s accessibility, including plans for a ferry link to St. Petersburg ports. It also envisions the upgrading of domestic coastal and port infrastructure, with expanded railway lines, logistics centers, and port complexes across the Baltic basin.
arctic foothold
Maritime policy priorities focus on establishing an operational posture in the Arctic by strengthening the Northern and Pacific fleets, as well as the FSB, against current and anticipated threats. Russia seeks to lead in Arctic marine research and development, intensify activities in Svalbard and Franz Josef Land, and expand operations on Novaya Zemlya and Wrangel Island. The policy also covers studying and developing the Arctic continental shelf, updating mineral data, and ensuring safe resource extraction. There is an emphasis on countering foreign efforts to control Arctic maritime activities and on expanding legal security for Russia’s outer continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean.
The plan also calls for defending national interests in the Atlantic, resisting NATO attempts to extend military infrastructure toward Russian borders, and fostering stable economic ties with foreign partners. The policy positions NATO as a direct competitor and deems its plans to be unacceptable for Russia’s security and development.
Caspian and Indian Ocean
Russia intends to strengthen the Caspian Fleet and deepen naval cooperation with regional partners. In the Indian Ocean, cooperation is to grow with nations such as India, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other neighbors, alongside expanding Russian maritime commerce in the region.