Russia conducts largest annual naval drill this year
Russia's naval forces have commenced the massive exercise known as "Ocean-2024," spanning various waters across the nation, which is the world's largest by area. This military drill, scheduled to last until September 16, will participate in excess of 400 naval vessels and submarines, with over 90,000 soldiers from various marine units, as announced by Russia's defense ministry.
These exercises will occur in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Baltic Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, where Russia maintains a presence in the Syrian port city of Tartus. This year's largest naval training session serves as a powerful message towards the Western world amidst the heightened tension stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russia views NATO – an alliance whose members are supporting Ukraine militarily – as a potential risk. The ultimate goal is to evaluate the ability of different naval commanders to manage multiple combat formations. More than 120 aircraft and helicopters, along with approximately 7,000 pieces of equipment, will take part in this exercise, as per the ministry's reports.
Involvement of domestic security agencies
The use of advanced precision weapons and military equipment in targeting strategic opportunities and enemy fortifications will also be practiced during the exercises. Coordination with allies' troops is also planned. Additional security personnel from various agencies, such as the interior ministry, the domestic intelligence service (FSB), and the Russian National Guard, will also be a part of the event.
The history of "Ocean" exercises dates back, as they were once the most substantial drills aimed at testing the combat preparedness of the Soviet Union's navy, due to its multitude of access points to the world's oceans.
The involvement of domestic security agencies, such as the interior ministry, FSB, and the Russian National Guard, in Russia's "Ocean-2024" military drill is aimed at ensuring overall security during the exercises. The massive exercise, taking place in multiple waters including the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Baltic Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, serves as a demonstration of Russia's military capabilities and a message to the Western world in light of the ongoing tension over Ukraine.
