With US forces moving into Poland, Russian "rapid-response" drills underway, and navy exercises in the Baltic Sea, the idea of "saber-rattling" now seems obvious. However, as NATO closes in on its borders, the Russian Navy’s commander, Admiral Chirkov, stated that the intensity of Russian submarines’ combat patrol missions has been up 50% since the beginning of 2014. As the nation celebrates "Submariner Day", Chirkov explained, "we do not indulge in saber rattling... this is necessary and natural for guaranteed security of the state."
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As TASS reports,
The intensity of Russian submarines’ combat patrol missions has been up 50% since the beginning of 2014, the Russian Navy’s commander, Admiral Chirkov, said on the occasion of Submariner Day.
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"I can say that the intensity of combat patrol missions by strategic and multi-role nuclear-powered submarines in the World Ocean is maintained at a level that guarantees the security of our country.
Moreover, I should say that in January 2014 through March 2015 the intensity of combat patrol missions by our submarines has been up by 50% in contrast to 2013," Chirkov said.
"This is necessary and natural for guaranteed security of the state," Admiral Chirkov said. "We do not indulge in saber rattling. We are just regaining our foothold," he said.
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Chirkov said last year alone ten crews were trained for Northern and Pacific Fleet submarines, expected to patrol various parts of the World Ocean.
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This comes a day after Chirkov explained that Russia will upgrade 10 of its multi-purpose nuclear submarines...
"This process is accompanied by the work to maintain the combat readiness of existing-project strategic nuclear submarines and their basic armaments," the Navy chief said.
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Nope, no saber-rattling byu eother side at all...
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