Russia sends latest nuclear submarine to Pacific, affirming promise to Africa

The Russian Navy's newest nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, the Generalissimo Suvorov, will arrive at its permanent base on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean in August.

Russian submarine Generalissimo Suvorov. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense )

According to TASS news agency on May 24, the Generalissimo Suvorov ship will enter service in late 2022, carrying 16 Russian nuclear-tipped missiles, each of which can carry more than one nuclear warhead.

TASS quoted a well-informed source as saying: "The Generalissimo Suvorov submarine will transit from the Northern Fleet (in the Arctic) to the Pacific Fleet in August. The voyage will take place along the Northern Sea Route."

Earlier, Russian news agencies reported that the Generalissimo Suvorov submarine will help strengthen the Pacific Fleet's nuclear-powered submarine force at the Rybachy submarine base on the Kamchatka peninsula.

It is the sixth in Russia's Borei class of smaller, stealthier submarines that will replace the country's previous generation of ballistic missile submarines.

Russia is boosting its defenses in its vast Far East region bordering the Asia-Pacific, while accusing the United States of expanding its presence in the region and raising security concerns in the region.

In another development, on the same day, at a reception for African counterparts in Washington, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said: "We believe that African countries must be treated kindly and equally... Moscow continues its policy of full support for the countries of this continent."

“Through our joint efforts, Africa will become one of the locomotives of the emerging multipolar world order,” Mr. Antonov stressed.

In addition, according to the Russian diplomat, the country will continue defense cooperation, including the supply of weapons and equipment to African partners and the training of military personnel, emphasizing that Moscow's expansion of cooperation with Africa is not aimed against anyone.

The statement came ahead of the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg from July 26-29 with the main goal of supporting the consolidation of the sovereignty of African countries.

Russia invites leaders of all African countries and regional organizations to participate in the event.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nga-dieu-tau-ngam-hat-nhan-moi-nhat-toi-thai-binh-duong-khang-dinh-loi-hua-voi-chau-phi-228326.html