Are you watching NATO? Putin rolls out THIS terrifying Russian armada – Express.co.uk

Thousands of highly trained Russian seaman clutched assault rifles as gigantic submarines emerged from the water in a show of force ordered by the Russian President.

Fighter jets soared above the heads of thousands who filled the streets of Saint Petersburg to celebrate Navy Day as Mr Putin oversaw the fleet in Sevastopol.

Flames and smoke lit up the sky over the Neva River at the Kremlin sanctioned event.

The Russian Navy's towering Kovrovets minesweeper showed its might as some 50 warships and submarines were paraded in a pomp-filled display along the Neva River and in the Gulf of Finland off the country's second city of Saint Petersburg after Mr Putin ordered the navy to hold its first ever parade on such a grand scale.

The Russian President also inspected the troops and was seen flanked by defence minister Sergei Shoigu and generals as he visited the SM Kirov Military Medical Academy.

Russians celebrated Navy Day while the world looks to the Kremlin to anticipate its next military move.

The annexation of Crimea, frequent trespassing into airspace and support of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has seen sanctions heaped on the Russians.

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The Navy is not only dealing with its traditional tasks but also responding with merit to new challenges, making a significant contribution to the fight against terrorism and piracy

Vladimir Putin

But the steadfast leader, Mr Putin, has so far refused to back down to NATO nations.

Mr Putin told servicemen from his presidential cutter the world can expect Russias Navy to grow.

He said: Today much is being done to develop and modernise the Navy.

The Navy is not only dealing with its traditional tasks but also responding with merit to new challenges, making a significant contribution to the fight against terrorism and piracy.

"This holiday is celebrated in Russias every region, and, of course, especially solemnly at the bases and garrisons of the Northern, Pacific, Baltic and Black Sea Fleets and the Caspian Flotilla."

Mr Putin said Russian history is linked with victories of its "brave Navy."

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While more than 50 warships and submarines took part in the impressive display, while elsewhere smaller parades kicked off in Russias European enclave Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea to the annexed Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and Vladivostok.

At the Syrian base of Tartus in the eastern Mediterranean six vessels were involved in a display, including the Krasnodar diesel submarine.

Moscow and Damascus in January signed a 49-year deal for Russia to expand and modernise the facility at Tartus.

Chinese warships joined Vladimir Putins navy in the Baltic Sea for war games last month and today China's Xi Jinping oversaw a huge parade of stealth fighters, nuclear missile launchers and 12,000 troops to mark the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army.

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A Chinese warship operates a live-fire drill during the Joint Sea 2017 in Baltic Sea

In September the Zapad games will kick off, between Russia and neighbouring Belarus, involving 12,700 servicemen.

Nato nations have been left furious over the location of the games, which they believe are taking place far too close to their own borders and could be an excuse by Moscow to practice war in the areas.

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Are you watching NATO? Putin rolls out THIS terrifying Russian armada - Express.co.uk