Russia is building new high tech Navy in order to be able to counter any provocative actions, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told the conference The Russian Navy in the 21st Century in Sevastopol on Thursday, Eurasia Diary reports citing Russian media.

"Russia’s growing presence in the World Ocean annoys some leading powers, which have stepped up the struggle for access to natural resources. In order to be able to counter any provocative actions by our opponents, we are building an up-to-date high-tech Navy. For this we have robust scientific potential, qualified engineers and workers and well-trained personnel," Shoigu said.

Shoigu also stressed the importance of the Navy's role in national security. "The Navy has always been a symbol of a strong Russian state and a major factor for maintaining national security."