Exercise “July Storm”: Russia tests fleet in the Pacific, Baltic and Caspian Seas

The Russian Federation has launched a large-scale naval exercise called “July Storm”, which will last until July 27. The maneuvers cover several important regions, including the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, the Baltic Sea and the Caspian Sea, according to Reuters.

More than 150 warships and support vessels, as well as 120 aircraft, 10 coastal missile systems and about 950 units of special equipment are participating in the exercises. The total number of personnel is more than 15 thousand servicemen. The maneuvers are being led by the new Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Admiral Alexander Moiseyev.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the main goal of the exercises is to test the combat readiness of fleets and flotillas in “non-standard conditions”. This includes the use of modern weapons, unmanned technologies and other innovative solutions.

During the maneuvers, the ship crews will focus on a number of tasks, such as deploying forces in designated areas, conducting anti-submarine operations, protecting bases and economic zones, and repelling air attacks, including threats from drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition, it is planned to ensure the safety of navigation and carry out strikes against conventional adversaries.

The exercises are taking place against the backdrop of significant losses suffered by the Black Sea Fleet over the past few years, but the Kremlin continues to demonstrate its naval capabilities on the world stage, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and the Arctic.