The Russian Navy plans to increase its presence on Ukrainian territory by adding urban infrastructure and civilian manpower to its naval assets in Sevastopol. The command of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet intends to build a housing estate (“mikrorayon”) for 20,000 personnel of the fleet, their dependents, and civilian service providers to the Russian fleet in that city. The housing estate and associated service infrastructure is planned to occupy both sides of Kazachya Bay, alongside the base of a Russian “marine infantry” (amphibious landing troops) regiment.
Since those agreements were signed, Moscow has announced plans to replace old warships of its Black Sea Fleet with new ones, increase that FleetÂ’s tonnage in net terms, and upgrade the fleetÂ’s weaponry. Modernization plans as announced during 2010 envisage adding one cruiser, several frigates, and several submarines by 2015. In addition, one Mistral-class amphibious attack ship (out of four planned for procurement from France) is supposed to be allocated to RussiaÂ’s Black Sea Fleet. |