Putin oversees launch of new Russian warships, submarines
- The newly commissioned vessels included a corvette, a minesweeper and the Generalissimus Suvorov nuclear submarine
- Russian president vows to increase the pace and volume of construction of various ships, equip them with the most modern weapons
President Vladimir Putin oversaw the commissioning of several new warships and a nuclear-powered submarine as he vowed to further strengthen Russia’s navy.
Putin, who has largely avoided public engagements since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, gave the green light for Russian flags to be hoisted on the new vessels via video link.
Among the newly-commissioned vessels were a corvette, a minesweeper and the Generalissimus Suvorov nuclear-powered submarine that is capable of launching ballistic missiles.
“It will ensure Russia’s security for decades ahead,” Putin said.
Another nuclear submarine, the Emperor Alexander III, was put to sea on Thursday and will be commissioned following trials.
“We will increase the pace and volume of construction of various ships, equip them with the most modern weapons,” the Russian leader said in televised remarks.