Russian Defense Ministry Launches Extensive Naval Exercises Across Four Seas

The Russian Defense Ministry has announced the commencement of extensive naval exercises involving a significant portion of its fleet in the Arctic, Pacific, Baltic, and Caspian seas. 

The maneuvers, which aim to test the readiness and capabilities of the navy at all levels, were revealed in a statement issued on the ministry's Telegram channel on Tuesday.

“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 ministry said. 

The drills involve over 300 ships and submarines, up to 50 aircraft, more than 200 units of military and special equipment, and over 20,000 military and civilian personnel. According to the ministry, the main goal of the exercises is “to check the actions of the military command bodies of the Navy at all levels, as well as the readiness of the crews of ships, naval aviation units, and coastal troops of the Russian Navy to perform tasks as intended.”

Throughout the multi-day exercises, the units will engage in more than 300 combat exercises, including the use of anti-aircraft missiles, anti-submarine weapons, and artillery against a “simulated enemy.” Notably, the Black Sea fleet is not participating in these drills due to the ongoing military action in Ukraine.

Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has frequently conducted military exercises independently and with other nations, such as China and South Africa. In the past two months alone, Russia has carried out mobile nuclear missile launcher drills and tactical nuclear weapons deployment exercises. Additionally, it has increased military training with Belarus, conducting several comprehensive drills.

These current exercises are reminiscent of the Soviet Navy’s largest peacetime fleet exercise, Okean (Ocean), which included 84 surface warships, around 80 submarines, and several hundred aircraft. 

Russia is widely regarded as having the world's third most powerful navy, following the United States and China. Its significant ballistic-missile nuclear submarine fleet includes 68 submarines, with 20 diesel-powered and the remaining 48 nuclear-powered. The Russian Navy also comprises 33 large surface warships, over 100 small surface combat ships and boats, roughly 60 minesweepers, 21 amphibious ships, and two training ships.

These drills come shortly after President Vladimir Putin oversaw a Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg, during which he threatened to resume production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons if the United States deploys missiles in Germany or other parts of Europe.