Russia to invest $100b in new warships

The Russian Government will invest RUB8.4 trillion (US$100 billion) for the construction of new warships for the Russian Navy over the next decade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin himself confirmed the ambitious program during a recent meeting in Saint Petersburg. The program seeks to introduce new warships into service to enhance the navy's ability to ensure Russia's security and protect the country's interests in the world's oceans.

The government will also invest in advanced weapons such as hypersonic cruise missiles that can be fitted on the navy's newest submarines, which include the recently launched Perm (pictured).

The various vessel classes to be built will boast advanced features such as newer navigation and detection sensors and robotic systems. The latter will include unmanned surface, underwater, and aerial vehicles.

Mr Putin said the navy's newest ships will have the ability to fulfil their assigned tasks into the near future.

The President also highlighted that 49 naval ships of various classes were built over the last five years. This number also includes the Borei-A-class ballistic missile submarines and the Yasen-M-class cruise missile submarines.