The Russian Navy has sufficient forces and capabilities to protect merchant vessels and defend the country’s interests both near its coastline and in the open sea, according to retired Colonel and military analyst Viktor Litovkin.

Speaking to Izvestia, Litovkin said the fleet has the resources needed to safeguard Russian interests in coastal waters, across sea routes and farther out in the world’s oceans.

He pointed to the Navy’s range of surface warships, including cruisers, frigates and corvettes, as well as its submarine fleet.

Litovkin also highlighted the role of naval aviation. He said fighter, ground-attack, bomber and strategic aircraft could be used to support maritime security. Coastal air defense systems and anti-ship missile systems could also be deployed to protect merchant shipping.

According to the analyst, Russia’s existing military arsenal is sufficient to defend vessels sailing under the Russian flag. He also suggested that attempts to seize Russian merchant ships could stop if Moscow began taking equivalent measures against European vessels.

On August 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow intended to respond in kind to attempts by Western countries to detain Russian commercial ships. He said Russia was recording actions by several states aimed at restricting the free movement of its vessels.

Putin also argued that such measures violate international maritime law and described them as acts of robbery and piracy.