MOSCOW, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday called for the accelerated repair of existing naval facilities and the construction of new ones capable of housing and servicing modern warships.
Russia needs to build modern facilities to harbor and support its newest nuclear missile submarines, multi-purpose ocean frigates and ships equipped with long-range high-precision weapons, Shoigu told a meeting of senior defense officials.
He said that under the 2018-2027 State Armaments Program, the Russian Navy should receive more than 180 modern ships and vessels in the period.
This year alone, the navy will receive 15 warships and combat boats, as well as 20 support vessels, he said.
Earlier this month, Shoigu said that two nuclear submarines, one diesel submarine, a frigate, a corvette, a large landing ship, two small missile ships, a patrol ship, a minesweeper and five combat boats will be commissioned this year.
The defense chief said that new facilities will be built besides the reconstruction of existing naval bases.
Under the Fundamentals of Russia's State Naval Policy Through 2030 approved by President Vladimir Putin in 2017, Russia aims to build its navy into the world's second in terms of combat capabilities.
