The Meaning of Russia's New Pacific Fleet
Jan. 26, 2001 -- Russia's Pacific Fleet returned to extended naval operations with the sailing of two Udaloy class destroyers to India and Vietnam.
The choice of the Admiral Vinogradov and Admiral Panteleyev, large anti-submarine warfare ships, demonstrates Russian military capability and a willingness to provide assistance in the vital shipping lanes of Southeast Asia.
Russia's extended naval journey is significant in that it marks the Pacific Fleet's first long-term mission in the last five years, Reuters reported Jan. 15. Until now, the Pacific Fleet has been unable to conduct extended operations because of chronic cash shortages.
An Interest in Submarines
Russia had a choice of ships to send on the voyage. The Pacific Fleet, formerly comprised more than 100 submarines and surface ships, now has a much-reduced capability. The fleet maintains surface warships, among them several Sovremenny class destroyers, powerful warships armed with supersonic anti-ship missiles.
Unlike the Sovremenny, the Udaloy primarily is an anti-submarine vessel with large bow-mounted sonar and two KA-7 helix anti-submarine helicopters. The Udaloys serve as a capable anti-submarine platform while posing a limited threat to commercial shipping.
Many nations bordering the South China Sea began purchasing submarines during the economic boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The geographic and economic nature of the area dictated the increased investment in submarines. Shipping is vital to Southeast Asia, as raw materials and products primarily move through the shipping lanes of the South China Sea. Submarines provide an effective way to block these naval trade routes.
According to the United States Energy Information Administration, half of the world's supertankers pass through the region. Additionally half of the world's merchant fleet (by tonnage) sails through the region each year.
Submarines probably would provide a valuable tool in controlling the sea lanes in the area. Any conflict in the region probably will focus on controlling the vital shipping and trade lanes of the South China Sea.
China has a number of submarines in the area, more than those purchased by other countries in the region. The United States also maintains a large number of submarines in the Pacific, and many patrol this vital trade route.
Yet the Russian anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships are capable primarily of detecting older submarines, such as those owned by China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. U.S. submarines, however, are quieter and more advanced, and therefore harder to detect.
A Boon to Russian Allies
With the proliferation of submarines in Southeast Asia, the Udaloys or their technology could be offered to Russia's allies in Vietnam and India. Russia's choice of sending the Udaloy serves two purposes, reasserting the Russian navy and reminding its allies of the proliferation of submarines in the South China Sea. The Udaloy class ship, with its ASW capability, does not threaten commercial shipping as a Sovremenny might.
India, which has kept China at arms length, is Russia's first stop during this extended trip. Most recently, Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was out of town for much of a recent visit to India by Li Peng, China's Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress.
As well, India tested an Agni II missile just prior to Li's departure. Additional ASW capabilities would be another method India could use to balance China's power.
India operates in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, but competes with its cross-border rival, Pakistan, in the Arabian Sea. Though New Delhi's submarine force outnumbers that of Islamabad, Pakistan is moving to increase its submarine force. Therefore, India probably will move to enhance its anti-submarine capability.
A second stop on the Pacific Fleet cruise is Vietnam. The choice and timing is significant. Moscow is telling Hanoi it is a valued ally. By making Danang the second port of call, it becomes an event of its own. Aside from politics there are also military reasons for the ASW ships visiting Vietnam.
Vietnam maintains longstanding good relations with Russia, as opposed to its relations with China. Following 13 years of hostility, Vietnam and China reestablished diplomatic ties in 1991. Russia supported North Vietnam during its war with South Vietnam and the United States.
Vietnam also purchases military equipment and supplies amounting to between $100 million and $200 million each year. Finally, Vietnam and China have both claimed and fought for the Spratly Islands, which sit on an untapped pool of oil and natural gas. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines also claim the Spratlys.
No Threat to Shipping
If Russia were attempting to threaten the shipping lanes of Southeast Asia, it would have sent a Sovremenny to accompany the Udaloy. The two are designed to work in cooperation and to complement each other. The Sovremenny is an offensive platform, while the Udaloy is a more defensive, although lethal, ship.
Additionally Russia is bringing the proliferation of submarines to light. By sailing ASW ships to the region, Moscow is reminding its allies that Russia can help defend national security and the economy by helping to keep the sea lanes open.
Aaron Ortiz is an analyst for Stratfor.com, an Internet provider of global intelligence.