Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated calls for Russia to have a "modern, well-equipped fleet" of naval vessels that can adequately respond to current and future threats, state-owned news agency Sputnik reported earlier this week.
In particular, the construction of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) should be designated a priority development, Mr Putin said during the Russian Navy's recent Underwater Forces Development Strategy Conference.
Mr Putin remarked that such submarines constitute one of the most important components of Russia's "triad" of nuclear forces and are key to helping the country, "maintain the global balance of power."
He also clarified that improving the combat capabilities of conventional diesel-electric submarines, particularly those equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, must also be prioritised.
The Russian Navy is set to receive another four Project 955A or Borei-A-class SSBNs and nine Project 677 or Lada-class diesel-electric boats within the next few years. Two of the Borei-A-class boats are already under construction, according to Mr Putin.