Russia starts naval exercises in Japan and Okhotsk Seas waters

More than 60 ships and vessels of Russia's Pacific Fleet (RPF) and over 11,000 servicemen will hold exercises with practical missile and artillery firing in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk from June 5 to 20, the fleet's press service told Interfax on June 5.

"More than 60 warships and support vessels of the fleet, about 35 naval aviation aircraft, coastal troops, and more than 11,000 servicemen are involved in the exercise of the fleet's force grouping," the statement said.

"Fleet forces are currently deployed in designated areas and have begun practical training of tasks according to the exercise plans," the fleet's press service said.

According to the RPF, during exercises, the military will search for and track submarines of the conditional enemy and carry out training and combat exercises against surface and air targets with practical missile and artillery firing.

It is also reported that during the exercises, ship tactical groups together with naval aviation "will work out the organization of anti-aircraft defense of ship detachments, as well as issues of organization of logistical support of forces at sea."

According to the press service, in accordance with the plan for 2023, from June 5 to 20, the Russian Pacific Fleet began major exercises in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk under the leadership of Fleet Commander Admiral Viktor Liina.