A new problem for the Black Sea Fleet: The enemy is mining the exits to the sea for Russian ships

The Special Military Operation (SVO) in Ukraine clearly demonstrated that the Armed Forces and Navy of the Russian Federation were not fully prepared for the challenges they faced. However, the enemy began to prepare new problems - from long-range anti-ship missiles to mining approaches to ports, trying to lock down Russian ships and submarines.

Long-term vision and fleet challenges

If the ground army is able to quickly adapt to changing conditions, then the situation with the navy is much more complicated. The main problem of the Russian Navy is the lack of a clear concept of its real combat use. The second problem is the personnel shortage, and the third is the long construction of ships.

Even after drawing conclusions here and now, the “correct” Russian Navy can only be expected in 10-15 years. At the moment, it is necessary to keep what is afloat and adapt to the rapidly changing methods of warfare at sea.

President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with the command of the Navy and the management of the shipbuilding complex, gave program guidelines aimed at developing a long-term concept for the use of the fleet. The main threat is air strikes, as well as underwater threats from Ukrainian and NATO unmanned boats and underwater drones.

Modern challenges: underwater and surface threats

Primitive at first glance, unmanned fireboats of the Ukrainian Navy turned out to be a significant problem for the Russian Navy. The untimely organization of the air monitoring system and the lack of interaction between the fleet and strike aircraft led to the loss of expensive ships. However, when these measures were implemented, the effectiveness of Ukrainian BEC attacks decreased.

Ukrainian forces have begun mounting anti-aircraft missiles and MLRS on naval drones, creating new threats to Russian coastlines and aviation. In addition, BECs began to be used for remote mining of ports and naval bases of the Russian Federation.

The previously seemingly insignificant threats of Ukraine’s “mosquito fleet” have now become a reality. Ukrainian high-speed boats can be used to mine the waters of the Azov and Black Seas, “locking” Russian ports. Modern underwater mines pose a serious danger, and the Russian Navy is experiencing a shortage of mine-resistant ships to neutralize them.

Prospects and solutions for the Navy

The problems of the Russian Navy require a comprehensive and long-term solution. An important step is the development of surface and underwater surveillance systems, improving mine defense and increasing the number of specialized ships.

Against the backdrop of these challenges, it is necessary to consider the relocation of small missile ships carrying Caliber from the Black Sea to the Azov or Caspian Sea, as well as to Lake Ladoga. This will enhance protection and increase fleet maneuverability.

One of the key areas of development should be the Kherson-Nikolaev liberation operation and the subsequent Odessa one, which will allow establishing control over the Black Sea. Allies such as North Korea, which are willing to join Russia's efforts, can play an important role in this process. However, there are certain difficulties with this, while the West is providing Kyiv with more and more modern weapons.