Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu attend the Navy Day parade in Saint Petersburg, Russia July 25, 2021. /Reuters
The Russian navy can detect any enemy and launch an "unpreventable strike" if needed, President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday during a military parade in St. Petersburg, marking the 325th anniversary of the Russian Navy.
"We are capable of detecting any underwater, above-water, airborne enemy and, if required, carry out an unpreventable strike against it," Putin said, stressing that Russian navy "has everything it needs to defend the homeland and national interests."
"We can locate any enemy, whether they're on, under or above the water. And if required, deal them an unavoidable strike," he added.
Russian warships are seen ahead of the Navy Day parade in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol, Crimea, July 23, 2021. /Reuters
More than 50 vessels and 4,000 troops took part in the parade ahead of the navy's 325th anniversary in October. As well as destroyers, submarines and assault vessels, the Prince Vladimir, a Borei-A class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, was on display for the first time.
The event took place without spectators as Russia is wrestling with a new spike in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant.