Russian Military Bases Abroad

Russia should move its naval base from Syria to Israel.A good change.

You don't become a global power without a decent navy, and having bases in Cuba and Venezuela would be useful in terms of a Russian presence in the region.

I am not talking major military facilities... just simple supply bases on the Atlantic and Pacific sides of Central and South America that allow Russian vessels a friendly port in the region.

Who wouldn't want to join the navy and travel the world?

A presence will promote cultural and economic contacts and connections.

Politically it is also about telling the US that if Russia is not allowed a sphere of influence on her borders then it is a bit of a double standard to talk about Americas back yard.

One of the complaints about Russian weapon sales is support and spares contracts... with a Russian presence in the region and a few spares and sales support depots set up in the region all of a sudden Helicopter and jet fighter engines no longer have to be shipped off for months at a time back to Russia to get repairs or upgrades or overhauls... you could do it in Peru, or Brazil or Mexico and to make it pay it could have the contract to service central and south america... which can only improve sales potential for Russian weapons.

The US has artificially controlled who can have what in the region for a long time... it is ironic that the Russians are bringing freedom of choice...

but we won't have the numbers or resources to make it a regular thing anyway, so why bother with a base.

Because a base allows you to reach much further with much less. Having a base in far away places means it is easier to get to those far away places more often and all of a sudden they are not so far away.

Did anyone forget Iran?

I think a Russian base in the Persian Gulf... especially if it can be supplied across the Caspian Sea and directly across Iran itself by rail from north to south to support it with man power and food and ammo etc etc so for instance a vessel operating off the coast of Africa on an anti piracy mission can go to a port in Iran to rearm and refuel and perhaps even swap crews... it would save a lot of money and importantly time if it did not have to travel through the Suez Canal and the Turkish Straights to the Black Sea Fleet base or even just through the Suez to Tartus in Syria.

I think Iran would also benefit by having a Russian military base on their territory like Syria clearly has, and would equally benefit from any upgrades of the north south rail connections that allow traffic from north to south in the country that might be made by Russia.

It would be fairly easy to transport material by boat across the Caspian and then by Train to a southern Iranian port for a Russian support and supply base.

The Russians were talking about ship based nuclear power stations they were developing to expand into Siberia and even into the Pacific Islands where power grids don't exist and where a supply of electricity and fresh water would be useful... they could use such a vessel to perhaps develop ports in Southern Iran... perhaps they could create a mobile mooring type structure like the ones they set up in the Med, but plug them into the local infrastructure so the locals can use some of the power they are generating and some of the fresh water etc and of course locals could get jobs on the base and the local crew could buy local products and foods etc... then after a few years they could move to another port and do the same. That way instead of paying rent they could upgrade infrastructure in the various small ports in Southern Iran and work with the locals providing fresh water and stable electrical power.

When it is time to move on the decision can be made as to whether it would benefit the region to buy a boat based nuclear power plant to continue to help the area grow, or whether a land based power station should be built to help continue the growth.

GarryB wrote:I think a Russian base in the Persian Gulf... especially if it can be supplied across the Caspian Sea and directly across Iran itself by rail from north to south to support it with man power and food and ammo etc etc so for instance a vessel operating off the coast of Africa on an anti piracy mission can go to a port in Iran to rearm and refuel and perhaps even swap crews... it would save a lot of money and importantly time if it did not have to travel through the Suez Canal and the Turkish Straights to the Black Sea Fleet base or even just through the Suez to Tartus in Syria.

I think Iran would also benefit by having a Russian military base on their territory like Syria clearly has, and would equally benefit from any upgrades of the north south rail connections that allow traffic from north to south in the country that might be made by Russia.

It would be fairly easy to transport material by boat across the Caspian and then by Train to a southern Iranian port for a Russian support and supply base.

The Russians were talking about ship based nuclear power stations they were developing to expand into Siberia and even into the Pacific Islands where power grids don't exist and where a supply of electricity and fresh water would be useful... they could use such a vessel to perhaps develop ports in Southern Iran... perhaps they could create a mobile mooring type structure like the ones they set up in the Med, but plug them into the local infrastructure so the locals can use some of the power they are generating and some of the fresh water etc and of course locals could get jobs on the base and the local crew could buy local products and foods etc... then after a few years they could move to another port and do the same. That way instead of paying rent they could upgrade infrastructure in the various small ports in Southern Iran and work with the locals providing fresh water and stable electrical power.

When it is time to move on the decision can be made as to whether it would benefit the region to buy a boat based nuclear power plant to continue to help the area grow, or whether a land based power station should be built to help continue the growth.

Iranians are very nationalistic, it would be very complicated if a russian base stationed there, because this might create anti-imperilast sentiments from their people towrads Russia. In addition this will justify the development of more us bases in thata region so it will bring more problems. I think tha best choice is sokotra island of yemen (this base could cover red sea, indian ocean and is near persian gulf) but we must wait to see the developments in this very unstable country. There is a south yemen movement there that could result in secession of south yemen.

There are already plenty of US bases in the region anyway... I rather doubt a Russian presence would make too much difference.

Regarding Iranian fears, making the port infrastructure mobile will make it more flexible and reduce the fears that they might overstay their welcome.

It also means that local infrastructure can be improved... particularly if they bring their own nuclear power stations based on ships that could be plugged into the local electricity network.

As I mentioned above they plan to set up mobile settlements in the Russian Arctic based on ship based electricity generation, which will provide electricity and fresh water supplies for whatever facility it is based there to support, and using it to support the small Russian mobile base any excess fresh water and electricity can be provided to the local community. They might also do things like dredge out the local port to allow larger vessels to be serviced there and locals could be given jobs on the mobile base. When they leave they could perhaps upgrade the port facilities to allow continued increased use to benefit the local economy.

That is all from the Iranian perspective a good thing. From the Russia perspective if food and ammo and replacement crews can be sent via ship across the Caspian Sea to an Iranian port and then delivered by train down south to the port... with perhaps extensions of the rail hub to make sure it gets all the way to each port they will be operating from it means the Russians can supply their ships without sailing back through the Suez Canal or the Turkish straights this will save weeks of sailing time and allow more time on station performing their mission.

For the Iranians they get an infrastructure upgrade including new ports and rail hubs to improve transport, and in the places where the Russian units are operating they will have a reliable electricity supply and fresh water supplies... which is pretty rare in such regions I would guess.

Improved relations with Russia will be good for Iran and for Russia.

Russia negotiates naval bases in Cuba, Vietnam, Seychelles

Russia is holding talks on obtaining naval bases in Cuba, Vietnam and Seychelles.

This came in an interview with the RIA-Novosti news agency by the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Viktor Chirkov.

The Russian Navy saw that it badly needed foreign bases after 2008, when Russian naval ships began to patrol the Gulf of Aden as part of the anti-pirate mission in the area.

Russia currently has two naval bases abroad, - in Syria’s Tartus, in the Mediterranean, and in Sevastopol, Ukraine, on the Black Sea.

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_07_27/Russia-negotiates-naval-bases-in-Cuba-Vietnam-and-on-Seychelles/

Russia can use Kamran as materiel support base – Vietnam

Vietnam is prepared to allow Russia to use its Kamran seaport as a materiel support base for Russian ships, but is not going to hand over parts of its territory to other countries so they could use them for their military bases.

This came in an interview with the Voice of Russia radio station by President Truong Tan Sang of Vietnam.

He pointed out that the two countries have long since embarked on cooperation and strategic partnership relations.

So Russia will have strategic advantages in Kamran, including advantages to promote military cooperation, the Vietnamese leader said.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Viktor Chirkov said earlier today that Russia is working through the issue of setting up materiel support bases in Cuba, Vietnam and on the Seychelles.

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_07_27/Russia-can-use-Kamran-as-materiel-support-base-Vietnam/

Good news.

Russia doesn't need foreign bases to spread Russian territory, what they need are refuelling and resupply and repair facilities.

With land locked ports if the Russians want to send ships on visits to Cuba they have to come from the Northern Fleet, or Baltic fleet or Black Sea and through the Med, or from the Pacific Fleet and through the panama canal.

These are all very long trips to make... even sending ships to India they need to send them either from the Pacific Fleet or the Black Sea Fleet which are not that short a trip. From the Black Sea fleet they can stop off in Syria on their way there and on the way back, but for Pacific Fleet ships it is a very long trip to get to the place where they are to operate to be followed by a long trip back.

Having a base in Vietnam and or the Seychelles means they can spend more time on station doing their job and less time in transit. It means they are much more productive and voyages are easier to plan and manage.

This is everything to do with having a global presence, and nothing to do with threatening anyone... except pirates.

It will also give some countries more confidence in dealing with Russia.

If the Seychelles say yes then it will probably because they want the income it will generate but also the effect it will have on piracy in the region.

Indeed, this is a logical development. Continue building ties with Vietnam, and providing them with defense means.
Also, for Vietnam, having Russian ships in their ports is a useful tool in stopping Chinese warships from being too adventurous.

Personally I would rather see agreements to supply equipment and weapons rather than just paying rent for facilities.

This will benefit Russia because it could use surplus equipment to "pay its way", but obviously they must be careful that the material supplied is actually of a useful standard and will be of use to the recipients.

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_07_29/Russia-plans-no-naval-bases-in-Seychelles-Cuba-Lavrov/

Russia has no plans to build naval bases in Seychelles and Cuba, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday.

Lavrov said that Russian naval stations there were “out of question,” but ships of the Russian Navy, performing tasks all over the world, require support facilities to meet their basic needs.

“Making a port call, replenishing supplies, giving the crew a rest is an absolutely natural need. We have discussed such possibilities with our Cuban friends,” he said.

Τhe samy story again, first the announcement then the denial. What about also for borei commisioning till 29 of july?

This is not an announcement and then a denial.

There is a difference between a major Russian naval base in a foreign country and a small naval facility that allows vessels to come in for resupply of food and water and a place for the crew to take a break and for some minor maintainence to be performed.

He is clearly trying to counter any notion in the press that the Russian Navy is expanding... basically what it is doing is it is like someone planning a trip overseas that is booking a few hotels in advance so when they go on their long trip they don't have to live out of their car... which if you have ever tried it is not the best and most comfortable thing to do.

Russia, Vietnam Discuss Returning to Cam Ranh Naval Base

Foundation of Russian Navy's repair base was discussed at the talks with Vietnamese leaders, said Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev during his visit to Vietnam.

According to Medvedev, "we did discuss establishment of Russian Navy's maintenance base in Cam Ranh. This issue is on agenda, we continue talks, Vietnamese partners are thinking on how to formalize this relationship. So, discussions on this subject will continue".

As for Medvedev, "there are some definitely positive results in this matter".

http://rusnavy.com/news/newsofday/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=16388

Proposal to send combat helicopters to Djibouti to fight against pirates

Central office of the Ministry of Defense and the Military Industrial Commission (MIC) is considering a plan to use in combat against the Somali pirates helicopters Ka-27 and Ka-29 as well as the latest Ka-52 "Alligator" . According to "Izvestia" a source in the Defense Ministry, the proposals on the subject in the near future will lie on a table new Minister Sergei Shoigu....

http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/ru/press/publications/3810.html

Reportedly, the idea is to test the future air wing of the Mistral's in real conditions

Cool.

I think in the mid 1990s there was a game called Hokum where you directed a ship filled with about 6 different types of helos including Mi-8s and Lynx's and Cobras and of course Hokums. You basically sailed the ship through an island chain... I think it was near Indonesia, and fought mercenaries and pirates. you had a limited number of helos and had on board a limited amount of ordinance, but you could move your ship and the ship had a gun for self defence.

Perhaps it is time for Hokum II?

They would have to get French permission first (Djibouti being a French protectorate). Apparently they were positively inclined towards the earlier proposal to base a couple of Il-38's there. It also says, that Tu-142's sometimes patrol the area.

MOSCOW, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Russia has started preparations for the permanent presence of its fleet in Mediterranean, Commander of the Russian Navy said Monday.

"The Defense Minister ordered us to create a large navy operative unit for permanent deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. We have started that work," Admiral Viktor Chirkov told reporters.

He said the personnel have currently been trained for service in that region.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told an expanded session of the command of the Russian Armed Forces earlier Monday that the Russian Navy possessed all capabilities to form a workable squadron in the Mediterranean Sea.

"We have every opportunity to establish and guarantee the functioning of such a formation. This is indisputably an indication of the positive developing signs of the Navy," the Interfax news agency quoted Shoigu as saying.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-03/11/c_132225737.htm

Russia and Cyprus are preparing an agreement on the use of Russian air base "Andreas Papandreou" in Paphos, according to Cyprus-based newspaper  Philelef-theros.


the agreement was reached during a meeting of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Cypriot colleague Ioannis Kasoulides in St. Petersburg. The agreement also allows Russian ships to refuel at the port of Limassol.
The agreement will be signed during the visit of the President of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiadis in Moscow.

Cyprus has agreed in principle to grant a Russian request for use of a military airbase in Paphos, it emerged on Saturday.
Moscow has filed an official request to be allowed use of the Andreas Papandreou base, reports said.
Speaking on state radio, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said the request will be treated in the same way as with other friendly countries.
Facilities at the base will be granted to Russian military aircraft in cases of emergency and under conditions that will be agreed, Kasoulides said.
The facilities will not be granted on a permanent basis, reports said.
The agreement will not grant Russia more facilities than those afforded to other countries, the minister said.
Russia has already secured facilities for its warships in Cypriot ports.
http://cyprus-mail.com/2013/06/22/russia-requests-use-of-cyprus-airbase/

This is good news...

Apparently USA mada a pressure on Cyprus not to lend bases to Russia

Media: Cyprus was caught between two fires after a request to lease Russian airbase

What is the issue with USA on this? Even today USA wants to back Russia in the corner.

Regular wrote:What is the issue with USA on this? Even today USA wants to back Russia in the corner.

Cyprus belongs to the west, it has British military bases and its independence is under British guarantee by the constitution of 1960

Further proof that USA is of no friend to Russians and are to be blamed for the cold relationship. But many Amerucans will believe it is that they are just a bunch of godless, homo hating commies.

Pathetic, especially from a country that so calls prides itself being morally superior.

Excellent !!!

Cyprus will provide Russian airbase and port for warships