Russia says it needs 50 n-subs to counter US, British fleets
March 20th, 2010 - 9:29 pm ICT by IANSMoscow, March 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The Russian Navy needs at least 50 nuclear-powered submarines to counterbalance the fleets of the US, Britain and France, a senior Navy official said Saturday.
The country has some 60 strategic, multi-functional and diesel-powered submarines in its fleet that are combat ready.
“The number of nuclear submarines in Russia’s Navy should be no less than 40-50,” First Deputy of the Naval General Staff Vice Admiral Oleg Burtsev said during an interview with Ekho Moskvy radio.
He said that France, Britain and the US have at least nine combat ready nuclear subs in the sea all the times.
“In order to counterbalance them, we need to have two or three nuclear-powered submarines. They need to know that we are prepared to respond to any strike,” Burtsev said.
Answering a call-in question on whether Russia is behind in developing its fleet in comparison with China, which builds two or three submarines a year, Burtsev said that Russia was not behind in development.
“Trial runs are taking place with the Yasen class subs, and this year the final trial stages of the Lada class submarine will be held”.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
hv/vt
- Russia hands over Nerpa nuclear submarine to India - Jan 23, 2012
- Russia test-fires ballistic missile - Jul 28, 2011
- New Russian n-sub completes first sea trials - Oct 06, 2011
- Russia to build six submarines annually from 2013 - Feb 03, 2012
- Russian Navy to induct eight N-submarines by 2020 - Jul 30, 2011
- Russian Navy working on 30-year development plan - Feb 06, 2012
- Russia to take part in Indian Navy submarine tender - Jul 02, 2011
- Russia's new attack submarine starts sea trials - Sep 13, 2011
- Russia to lease n-submarine to India in November - Oct 04, 2011
- Russia to lease n-submarine to India by October - Mar 16, 2011
- No plans to retire Russia's Typhoon class submarine - Sep 30, 2011
- North Korean navy official visits Russia - Oct 20, 2011
- Nuke-powered submarine to boost India's underwater warfare capability - Apr 03, 2012
- Russian Navy to get 10 more n-submarines - Feb 08, 2012
- Russian submarine to reach Indian shores mid-March - Feb 28, 2012
Tags: china, class submarine, class subs, fleet, fleets, general staff, hv, moscow, navy official, nuclear submarines, nuclear subs, oleg, radio, ria novosti, russia, russian navy, vice admiral