The Russian Northern Fleet upgraded to the “Military Region” level
Ministry of Defense announces a series of weapons plans
According to the order previously signed by Russian President Putin, the Russian Northern Fleet was officially upgraded to an independent military administrative unit from January 1, 2021, becoming the “fifth military region” on par with the Western, Southern, Central and Eastern Military Regions of Russia.
Upon upgrading, the Northern Fleet will enjoy cross-service and strategic regional command.
In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense decided that from 2021, the military service director and other leaders of all federal subjects should be active-duty soldiers.
Russia adjusts the war mobilization system
It is reported that active-duty officers with practical experience and experience in the Russian army will be promoted first.
Russian military experts commented that once in a state of war, the Military Service Bureau not only recruits citizens, but also mobilizes relevant enterprises to participate in the war.
Russia accelerates the development and procurement of new weapons
In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a series of new weapons research and development and procurement plans at the end of 2020.
According to reports, the test of the “Zircon” hypersonic missile has been basically completed, and the Russian army will soon be officially installed.
In the near future, the Russian Air Force will start flight testing of the “Salmat” intercontinental ballistic missile.
The Russian Air Force is making plans to purchase additional Russian fifth-generation fighter Su-57s in the future, and the number of Tu-160 strategic bombers will increase by 50% in the next seven years.
Fighter deterrence, closure of consulates
U.S.-Russia relations may fall to the “freezing point”
U.S. fighters “Elephant Walk” in the Russian border area
According to the Russian Satellite News Agency, at the end of December 2020, the U.S. Air Force resumed military exercises.
30 fighters and two aerial refueling aircraft took off from Elson Air Force Base on the mainland to rush to the Russian border with Alaska, and staged another “Elephant Walk”.
Among the fighters launched this time, 18 F-35s and the other 12 are F-16s, and the military exercise lineup can be called strong.
The last two U.S. consulates in Russia are closed.
In addition, at the end of 2020, the current U.S. President Trump informed Congress of the plan to close the Consulate General in Vladivostok, Russia, and suspend the work of the Consulate General in Yekaterinburg.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow became the only diplomatic agency of the United States in Russia. Some analysts believe that the closure of the consulate in Russia at this time may be related to the major cyber attacks suffered by the United States before.
U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo has publicly declared that Russia is “very sure” the behind the cyberattack, and U.S. President-elect Biden has also toughened that he will “retaliate against” against opponents involved in cyberattacks.
Reuters quoted a source familiar with the matter as saying that Biden may impose new sanctions on Russia after taking office.
In response, the Russian side has made preparations for the worst.
Putin said he did not expect any changes in Russian-US relations after Biden came to power.
NATO surrounds
Russia’s New Year is not easy to start.
According to Russia TV today, a German general recently said that NATO still regards Russia as the “greatest threat” when talking about the threat facing NATO.
Recently, the Russian military and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have also pointed out on many occasions that NATO has continuously intensified its activities in the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Barents Sea.
The number of NATO warships entering these sea areas has doubled, and its reconnaissance aircraft, drones and other flights near the Russian border have also increased.
In addition, NATO has deployed strategic offensive weapons in Bulgaria and Romania, held frequent military exercises to simulate attacks on Russian territory, and coaxed Ukraine and Georgia to contain Russia.
