SEVERODVINSK (Arkhangelsk Region), December 26. /TASS/. Nuclear-powered submerging cruisers (submarines) of the Borei class will be the main guarantors of Russia’s security, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Thursday at a gala ceremony where the Generalissimo Suvorov submarine was laid down.
“This is an event of huge importance and a huge contribution that the Sevmash yard’s shipbuilders are making to the defense capability of our country at a crucial moment when outside forces are trying to stop us, to enfeeble us with their pressure and sanctions, and are blackmailing us as Russia is reacquiring its historic image and is rebuilding territorial integrity, dignity and sovereignty,” Rogozin said.
“While on peaceful missions, the combat ships like this one will be the biggest guarantors of our security, invincibility and freedom,” he said. “President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister (Dmitry Medvedev) have asked me to thank you for this.”
The Russian manufacturing sector owes much to the Army and Navy, as “no new equipment was supplied for assuring our security to the Armed Forces throughout the 1990s.”
Rogozin recalled the State Program for Armaments that says the rate of technology overhaul in the Armed Forces should reach 30% in 2015. “And in 2020, a total of 70% of units in our Army and Navy are expected to have novel combat technologies.”
“In spite of all the sanctions and problems, in spite of the striving to stop Russia’s technological progress we keep up the (needed) pace,” he said.
“The designated parameters will be attained in full and we feel confident we can say already now that our defense industry has fulfilled the first provision of the presidential program (for rearmament),” Rogozin said.