World’s Third Most Powerful Navy Begins Major Drills Involving Most Of Its Fleet

Russian Navy has begun a large-scale series of drills involving the majority of its fleet across the Arctic, Baltic, Caspian and Pacific seas, according to a statement by the defence ministry.

The drill, regarded as one of the most significant of its types, intends to evaluate the readiness of capabilities of the Russian Navy at all levels.

The drill will comprise of 20,000 personnel and 300 ships, including surface ships, boats, submarines, support vessels and around 50 aircraft.

Over 300 combat drills are planned with a focus on anti-aircraft missile deployment, artillery, anti-submarine warfare, and passive interference.

The exercises will determine the readiness of naval crews, naval aviation units, and coastal troops.

The Russian navy, regarded as the world’s third most powerful after the United States and China, has a sizable ballistic-missile nuclear submarine fleet.

The current exercises will take place in the operational zones of the Northern, Pacific, and Baltic Fleets, as well as the Caspian Flotilla’s area of responsibility.

Russia’s Black Sea fleet, which has struggled with modern drone warfare and saw a change in leadership earlier this year, will not participate in the present drills.

The difficulties of the fleet have been exposed since February 2022, when it invaded Ukraine.

In addition to these drills, President Vladimir Putin recently cautioned the U.S. not to deploy longer-range missiles in Germany, warning that Russia could counter by stationing similar missiles within striking distance of the West.

In recent months, Russia has conducted a series of mobile nuclear missile launcher drills, tactical nuclear weapons exercises, and expanded military training with Belarus.

These extensive military drills highlight Russia’s continued focus on strengthening its naval capabilities and broader strategic military objectives.

Reference: Reuters

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Source: Maritime Shipping News