Russian Navy begins extensive drills involving major fleets

The Russian navy has launched scheduled drills involving the majority of its fleet in the Arctic, Pacific, Baltic, and Caspian seas, according to the defense ministry.

Most military observers consider Russia to have the world’s third most powerful navy, trailing only the United States and China, and the country also possesses a sizable ballistic missile nuclear submarine fleet.

According to the ministry, the Russian drills would put the navy’s readiness and skills to the test at all levels, with 20,000 personnel and 300 ships participating.

The drills will comprise more than 300 combat exercises, involving the use of anti-aircraft missiles, artillery, anti-submarine weaponry, and “passive interference,” according to the statement.

The ministry stated that “Units and formations of the Russian Navy have begun conducting planned exercises in the operational zones of the Northern, Pacific, and Baltic Fleets, as well as in the area of responsibility of the Caspian Flotilla.

“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.”

Meanwhile, about 300 surface ships and boats, submarines and support vessels, some 50 aircraft, and more than 200 units of military and special equipment will be involved in the combat training, the ministry said.

Report says since President Vladimir Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, Russia’s Black Sea fleet the only Russian fleet formation not taking part in the drills has struggled to adapt to dynamic modern drone warfare and the chief of the navy was replaced earlier this year.

In the past two months, Russia has also conducted a series of mobile nuclear missile launcher drills and tactical nuclear weapons deployment exercises.

It has also increased military training with Belarus, which borders both Russia and Ukraine, conducting a series of comprehensive drills.