Russia to build naval facility in Sudan

Russia plans to build a new naval facility in Sudan as it aims to boost its global military footprint.

The facility will be able to moor nuclear-powered surface vessels.

It will be constructed near the Port Sudan and will have the capacity to accommodate over 300 military and civilian personnel.

It will also boost the country’s ability to operate in the Indian Ocean and increase its influence in African region.

As per a decree published on 16 November, President Vladimir Putin approved the proposal by the Russian Government to construct a naval logistics hub.

Land for the facility will be provided by Sudan, and Russia will have the rights to bring weapons and other equipment to support the base.

A similar facility is present in Syria in the port of Tartus. Russia also runs an air base in Syria.

Last month, Russia tested its Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile from a frigate as it plans to arm surface vessels and submarines with this missile system.

Air defence (AD) crews on the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet (BSF) frigate Admiral Makarov also carried out training to repel the mock enemy air attack.