Not long ago, the Russian "Reporter" magazine wrote an article saying that in order to realize the modernization of the Russian Navy as soon as possible, Russia may consider ordering warships from China. In the eyes of ordinary people, Russia has always been a country with "rich military virtues". Why has its navy not yet completed its modernization and even ordered warships from China?
Before interpreting the details of this article, we need to understand the current situation of the Russian Navy. Unlike its world-famous army and its incomparably brave aerospace force, the Russian navy is in decline and in decline. Although relying on the old warships left over from the Soviet era is still enough to support the appearance, compared with the powerful navy, it cannot help but pales in comparison. It feels a bit inferior to the superiors. Compared with Russia's military power, which is proud of Europe and looks down on the world, it is a bit special. Disproportionate.
The reason is mainly because After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russia implemented "shock therapy", which led to the collapse of the domestic economy and a sharp contraction in defense spending. The Russian military is unable to maintain active warships, let alone upgrade equipment. Over time, this has resulted in the Russian Navy's lagging modernization and sluggish shipbuilding industry and other stubborn problems. Judging from the current situation, except for the only remaining Russian aircraft carrier "Kuznetsov", there are currently no plans to build a new aircraft carrier. Most of the equipment such as the destroyer and the nuclear submarine are aging seriously. They are either renovated or repaired, or they have to be sent to the factory. Upgrading, except for the newly built frigate and nuclear submarines, the Russian naval power is lackluster.
After the conflict between Russia and Ukraine broke out, the flagship cruiser "Moscow" of the Russian Black Sea Fleet was sunk, and problems such as the slow maintenance progress of the "Kuznetsov" were also reported in Russia, further exposing the problems of the Russian Navy. Disadvantages.
Faced with this dilemma, perhaps Russia has to consider the possibility of ordering warships from China. At the beginning of this century, our country's navy was still very weak. It purchased four modern-class destroyers from Russia and learned design experience from them. After years of precipitation, exploration and development, my country's shipbuilding technology has leapt to the forefront of the world. The core technologies are all independently developed, and the construction speed is the highest in the world. Take the Fujian ship as an example. This is my country's first independently developed catapult-type aircraft carrier. It has a displacement of more than 80,000 tons and is equipped with advanced technologies such as electromagnetic catapult and blocking devices. Looking at the world, it is second only to the U.S. Navy. In other words, China's current technology can fully meet the basic needs of Russia's naval modernization.
An article published by "Reporter" stated that countries in Central and South Asia have ordered frigates from China, and their construction speed, craftsmanship and cost-effectiveness are also well-known. In view of the good relations between China and Russia, Russia's ordering of warships from China is a convenient way to promote naval modernization.
The article also lists a number of models to choose from, such as the 056/056A anti-submarine frigate, the 054/054A frigate, etc. The Russian St. Petersburg Northern Design Bureau has participated in the design of the above-mentioned warships, so it has a strong impression on them. interest of.
As China and Russia are a "comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era", if Russia intends to order the above two warships, I believe that China will definitely deliver the order on time and with high quality. Moreover, the Russian Navy has also helped modernize the Chinese Navy, and China will not refuse it under any circumstances.
However, as far as the actual situation is concerned, although Russia's domestic shipbuilding industry has shrunk significantly, there are still a large number of shipyards that rely on orders from the military to maintain their livelihoods. If the Russian Navy purchases Chinese warships in large quantities, it will inevitably further hit the domestic shipbuilding industry. , so Russia will definitely not order rashly.
So can Russia take the path of independent research and development and revive its naval glory? Given that Russia is under Western sanctions and its domestic economic situation is not optimistic, it may not be able to spare excess funds for the development of its navy.
In order to modernize the Russian navy, Sino-Russian naval cooperation is certainly necessary. Ordering Chinese warships is a shortcut, but it may not be the best choice. The navies of China and Russia can strengthen exchanges and communication, enhance mutual interaction and collaboration, and inspire each other in terms of design concepts and craftsmanship. This may be a more ideal path.
