Russia launches July Storm naval drills across four strategic fleet commands

Russia has begun large-scale naval exercises involving four of its main fleets in a show of maritime strength stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic and Caspian Seas.

The drills, dubbed July Storm, are taking place from July 23 to 27 and include the participation of the Northern, Pacific, and Baltic Fleets, as well as the Caspian Flotilla, Caliber.Az reports via Russian Defence Ministry.

More than 150 warships and support vessels, 120 aircraft, 10 coastal missile systems, around 950 units of military and specialised equipment, and over 15,000 personnel are involved in the exercises.

The ministry stated that the primary aim of the operation is to test the readiness of naval groupings to respond to non-standard operational challenges.

The drills will also focus on the integrated use of long-range precision weaponry, unmanned systems, and advanced military technologies.

Naval crews are expected to carry out a range of combat tasks, including anti-submarine warfare, protection of naval bases and maritime economic zones, defence against aerial attacks, unmanned surface vehicles and drones, as well as securing maritime navigation routes.

According to the official statement, the exercise will also involve both solo and coordinated strikes against simulated enemy targets and naval groupings using long-range precision-guided weapons.

The manoeuvres are being held under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy.

By Aghakazim Guliyev