Rogozin: Warship Production Curtailed 15% in 2011

03.02.2012 In 2011, production of warships and submarines has been curtailed on 15% comparing to the level of 2010, said vice premier Dmitry Rogozin on Feb 2.

"Volume of production manufactured under state defense order in 2011 was RUR 106.7 bln which is 15.7% less than in previous year of 2010", said Rogozin appearing at the Russian Navy development forum.

Generally, significant downfall of production was recorded in shipbuilding area as well (16.2%, down to RUR 211.5 bln), Rogozin noted. He added that strength of Russian Navy had degraded to minimal value needed for combat mission accomplishment. "Urgent renovation of naval assets is vital", he said.

An array of problems has been accumulated in shipbuilding industry through recent years, admitted the vice premier. Among them are "underfinancing, overaged machinery, and staff problems".

As a result, newest Project 955 Borei and Project 885 Yasen nuclear-powered submarines will be commissioned into Russian Navy 6-12 months behind schedule, said the vice premier.

He reminded that Prime Minister V. Putin had tasked defense ministry to draw out a Navy development program. "The program has not been made so far, I've not seen it", said the official.

Rogozin said he had recently endorsed a new instruction to speed up development of the document and include it into State Arms Program 2020. As for him, main purpose of the program is to use long-term planning for maintenance and balanced development of the Navy. As for Rogozin, the document must cover the period at least up to 2030.