Putin Sends Navy Across Baltic, Arctic, Pacific, Caspian: ‘July Storm’ In The Sea With 150 Vessels

Russia has launched major navy drills in Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian called 'July Storm' (Image Courtesy: RNA Media)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his navy in possible all directions as the world’s third largest naval power kicked off its large-scale drills on Thursday (July 23). Called ‘July Storm’, these navy drills involve over 150 vessels and 15,000 military personnel in the Pacific, Arctic Oceans and in the Baltic and Caspian seas.
Scheduled to take place from July 23 to July 27, Russian Navy’s ‘July Storm’ is aimed at testing the readiness of the fleet for non-standard operations. These series of naval exercises will also analyse the fleet’s ability to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
What is the purpose of these exercises in the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic and Caspian Sea?
Putin’s navy is tasked with testing the readiness of the fleet along with the use of long-range weapons and other advanced technology including unmanned systems, according to an official statement.
“At sea, the crews of the ships will practice deployment to combat areas, conducting anti-submarine operations, defending areas of deployment and economic activity,” it said.
Additionally, the personnel will also engage in practicing “repelling attacks by air attack weapons, unmanned boats and enemy drones, ensuring the safety of navigation, striking enemy targets and naval groups.”
How big is the 3-day Russian naval exercise?
The enormity of the exercises can be understood by the involvement of more than 150 vessels and 15,000 military personnel. These drills will also see the participation of over 120 aircraft and 10 coastal missile systems. Russian Navy Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseev will lead the exercise.
How important is the timing of ‘July Storm’?
To understand this, it is important to know that Russia has the world’s third most powerful navy after China and the United States. However, it suffered a series of high-profile losses in the Ukraine war. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, once known as the pride of the Russian Navy, was hit by huge losses in the war in Ukraine.
It lost over 30% of its warships.
Ukraine had earlier claimed that since the start of the war in February 2022, it has seriously damaged or sunk at least 15 warships, including the Black Sea Fleet’s flagship, Moskva.