MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The Russian Navy must ensure the comprehensive protection of the nation's vital interests across all regions of the World Ocean and possess the capacity to deliver decisive damage to any potential adversary, Nikolay Patrushev, Russian presidential aide and chairman of the Maritime Board, said at a meeting of the Council of the Collegium for Strategic Development of the Russian Navy.

Patrushev highlighted that the foremost objectives of national naval policy include maintaining strategic and regional stability across the global maritime domain, strengthening the Navy as a vital instrument of foreign policy, and upholding Russia's stature as a major maritime power internationally.

"These objectives will be realized through the balanced development of the Navy, ensuring it is equipped to safeguard Russian interests worldwide and to inflict critical damage on potential adversaries," Patrushev stated. "This entails modernizing and expanding the combat capabilities of strategic nuclear and non-nuclear forces, general-purpose naval groups, and prioritizing the advancement of unmanned naval systems."

The head of the Maritime Collegium also underscored the importance of enhancing the Navy’s infrastructure, including basing and logistical support systems, as well as developing integrated maritime, air, and space situational awareness, reconnaissance, and target designation capabilities.

Moreover, Patrushev outlined additional priorities, such as bolstering the combat readiness of border guards and National Guard units to counter maritime terrorism, and safeguarding Russia’s maritime borders, economic zones, continental shelf, and critical coastal facilities.

Ensuring the safety of ships flying the Russian flag and preventing illegal activities by hostile nations also remain key components of the strategic agenda, he concluded.