Russia Seeks to Establish Naval Bases Overseas

Russia has hopes to set up its first overseas naval base since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. The country is looking at Cuba, Vietnam, and the Seychelles as potential locations.

Russia has recently been increasing the reach of its navy, sending warships further than usual as part of an effort to restore pride in the country’s military.

Russia did have an impressive naval base in Vietnam, but vacated it in 2002 as rent payments were a drain on state funds. Currently, Russia has only one naval facility outside of its territory – a maintenance and supply facility in the Syrian port of Tartous. The fate of this facility is still tentative due to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Russia wants sites for technical and material support. Bases in the three aforementioned countries are reportedly not fit for full-scale naval facilities.

According to the Financial Times, Vietnam’s President has stated that his country has no intention of cooperating with any country with the aim of military use of the port of Cam Ranh. He then clarified that a maintenance and service facility at the port would be open to ships from all nations. He lastly mentioned that, in the interest of furthering a strategic partnership with Russia, Vietnam can provide Russia with advantages in Cam Ranh, including the aim of developing military cooperation.