Russia begins major naval drills in the Pacific and Arctic oceans, and the Baltic Sea
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
MOSCOW - Russia on July 23 began major navy drills involving more than 150 vessels and 15,000 military personnel in the Pacific and Arctic oceans and in the Baltic and Caspian seas, the defence ministry said.
Russia has the world’s third most powerful navy after China and the United States, according to most public rankings, though the navy has suffered a series of high-profile losses in the Ukraine war.
The so-called “July Storm” exercise from July 23 to July 27 will test the readiness of the Russian fleet for non-standard operations, the use of long-range weapons and other advanced technology including unmanned systems, according to the defence ministry.
“At sea, the crews of the ships will practise deployment to combat areas, conducting anti-submarine operations, defending areas of deployment and economic activity,” the ministry said.
They will also practise “repelling attacks by air attack weapons, unmanned boats and enemy drones, ensuring the safety of navigation, striking enemy targets and naval groups”.
More than 120 aircraft will take part, as well as 10 coastal missile systems, the ministry said. Navy chief Alexander Moiseev will lead the exercise. REUTERS