This podcast explores the challenges faced by Russia's naval forces, including the conflict in Ukraine, budget cuts, and the troubles of their aircraft carrier program. It also discusses the significance of warm water ports, the role of the Pacific Fleet, and the dynamic between Russia's defense minister and President Putin. The podcast raises questions about the future of Russia's navy and the potential impact of emerging challenges.
Russia's warm water ports are crucial for the Navy's global power status and political influence.
The war in Ukraine has exposed vulnerabilities and funding constraints for Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
The significance and role of Russia's Baltic Fleet may change due to shifting dynamics in the Baltic Sea region.
Deep dives
The Importance of Warm Water Ports for Russia's Navy
The podcast episode highlights the significance of warm water ports for the Russian Navy. Throughout history, obtaining warm water ports and building up naval strength has been essential for Russia's pursuit of global power status. The podcast discusses how Russia's access to global shipping lanes is currently limited due to geographical constraints and the challenges faced by its fleets. The conversation emphasizes the need for warm water access to ensure the Russian Navy's efficacy and continued role as a political instrument.
Challenges Faced by Russia's Black Sea Fleet
The podcast explores the difficulties encountered by Russia's Black Sea Fleet during the war in Ukraine. The fleet has suffered losses and faced limitations due to underfunding and Russian repair facilities in Crimea becoming unsafe. Ukrainian missile strikes targeting the fleet's headquarters in Sevastopol highlight the vulnerabilities faced by Russia. The discussion also touches on the potential impacts of the war on the fleet's future, including the need for replacing lost equipment, financial considerations, and the risk of reduced budgets impacting the Navy's long-term capabilities.
Strategic Rethinking and Challenges for the Baltic Fleet
The podcast examines the changing dynamics and challenges for Russia's Baltic Fleet. With Finland and Sweden entering NATO, the Baltic Fleet's significance may decrease as the ease of supply and support to the Baltics improves. The discussion raises questions about the fleet's future role and importance, highlighting its potential as a nuisance value in a conflict scenario. However, it emphasizes that the fleet's relative weakness compared to other Russian fleets may limit its impact, and its strategic value will likely be reviewed in the context of changing Baltic Sea dynamics.
The Russian Navy's Northern Fleet and Future Outlook
The podcast focuses on Russia's Northern Fleet, situated in the High Arctic and considered the crown jewel of the Russian Navy. The fleet's crucial role in protecting nuclear submarines and projecting power in the North Atlantic is highlighted. It discusses the fleet's historical significance as a hub of naval resistance during the Cold War and its growing importance in the context of the evolving Arctic region. The podcast also mentions the potential reinforcement of resources and strategic value of the fleet and its submarine forces, particularly in maintaining Russia's nuclear deterrent.
Russia's nuclear submarines are on par with US and UK
Russia's nuclear submarines, particularly the Asin class attack submarines, are comparable in stealth and capability to the best submarines in the US Navy and Royal Navy. While Russia's surface warships do not match the best warships outside of Russia, they possess interesting features and hypersonic cruise missiles. The latest Borei class submarines, especially the Asin class, are a significant advancement in stealth technology compared to their predecessors.
Russia's emphasis on seabed warfare and potential impacts
Russia has a long-standing interest in seabed warfare and has invested in dedicated submarine fleets, such as those controlled by the organization called Googie. They explore diverse ways of operating in seabed warfare, beyond their traditional submarine advantage. However, Russia's surface navy is not dominant compared to other countries. The export market for Russian navy ships has been affected by sanctions, potentially impacting their shipbuilding industry and future capabilities. There are concerns that Russia may sell its quiet submarine technology to states like China, potentially altering the balance of power in the Pacific.
Russia's naval forces, structured around six distinct fleets, are navigating turbulent waters in the current geopolitical climate. While all six of these fleets have seen modest improvements, especially in their submarine capabilities, the conflict in Ukraine is now stretching resources thin, with senior figures from within the Navy warning that the Army's problem today, is going to be the Navy's problem tomorrow. This looming situation poses critical questions, like how will Russia's navy will adapt to these emerging challenges, and what programs are likely to face the chopping block when times get tough? So to help us answer those questions, we turn to our panel of experts:
On the panel this week: - Nick Childs (IISS) - Mark Galeotti (RUSI) - H. I. Sutton (Covert Shores) Intro - 00:00 PART 1 - 04:44 PART 2 - 27:40 PART 3 - 50:16 Outro - 1:10:33 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepod For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
