The term "Red Navy" typically refers to the naval forces of the former Soviet Union, known for their distinctive red flag and significant military presence during the Cold War. The Soviet Navy was a crucial component of the country's military strategy, focusing on both blue-water operations and coastal defense. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the term became less common, but it still evokes the legacy of a powerful maritime force. The modern successor, the Russian Navy, continues to maintain a strong naval presence, although it has undergone significant changes and reductions since the Cold War era.