Russia Expands Military Power While U.S. Weakens

On Wednesday, Russia launched the stern of its first Mistral-class helicopter carrier in St. Petersburg. The stern was sent to France for completion. Russia expects to receive the finished ship in October.

Russia purchased two of these carriers from France for €1.2 billion. The second carrier is scheduled to launch in October of 2014.

Moscow plans to deploy at least one of its new carriers to Russia’s Pacific Fleet. Japan is concerned about Russia’s intention to position the carrier near the far eastern city of Vladivostok. Japan’s minister of defense pointed out that deployment to the Asia-Pacific region would upset the status quo.

The Mistral-class carrier is a fourth-generation amphibious assault ship. It measures 652 feet long by 105 feet wide. It has a displacement of 21,500 metric tons. Its landing area is over 17,000 square feet.

The ship can carry 16 helicopters, 40 tanks and 450 soldiers. It also houses a combat hospital that can accommodate 69 patients.

While Russia continues to expand its naval power, America’s deficit is forcing military cutbacks. In 1986, the U.S. Navy had a fleet of 583 ships. Today, that number is under 300. If the economy doesn’t improve, more cuts are certain.

To learn more about the future of Russia, read Russia and China in Prophecy. For more about America, read The United States and Britain in Prophecy by Herbert W. Armstrong.