Russian navy has commenced planned exercises involving the majority of its fleet across the Arctic, Pacific, Baltic, and Caspian seas, the defence ministry announced on Tuesday. These drills are set to test the readiness and capabilities of the navy at all levels.
Scope and Objectives of the Drills
The Russian drills, involving 20,000 personnel and 300 ships, will include over 300 combat exercises. These exercises will cover the use of anti-aircraft missiles, artillery, anti-submarine weapons, and “passive interference”. The exercises will be conducted in the operational zones of the Northern, Pacific, and Baltic Fleets, as well as the Caspian Flotilla.
The defence ministry stated, “The main purpose of the exercises is to check the actions of the military authorities of the navy at all levels, as well as the readiness of the crews of ships, units of naval aviation, and coastal troops of the Russian navy to perform tasks.” The drills will involve 300 surface ships and boats, submarines, support vessels, about 50 aircraft, and more than 200 units of military and special equipment.
Strategic Importance and Recent Context
Russia is considered to have the world’s third most powerful navy, following the United States and China. The nation boasts a significant ballistic-missile nuclear submarine fleet. Since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian Black Sea fleet has notably struggled to adapt to modern drone warfare, leading to the replacement of the navy’s chief earlier this year.
At recent Russian navy day celebrations, Putin warned the United States that if Washington deployed longer-range missiles in Germany, Russia would station similar missiles within striking distance of the West.
Increased Military Activities
Since the Ukraine invasion, Russia has conducted numerous military exercises independently and with other countries, including China and South Africa. In the past two months, Russia has also carried out mobile nuclear missile launcher drills, tactical nuclear weapons deployment exercises, and increased military training with Belarus. This uptick in military activities reflects Russia’s ongoing efforts to maintain and project its military power in the region.
With inputs from Reuters
