Russian, Chinese navies conduct joint maritime exercise in Sea of Japan

In a significant display of naval cooperation, combat ships from the Pacific Fleet (PF) of Russia and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China have successfully completed a series of coordinated defence drills as part of the strategic command-staff exercise (SCSE) "Ocean-2024."

The joint task force, which includes Russian corvettes "Gromky," "Sovershenny," and "Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov," alongside support vessels from the PF, and Chinese destroyers "Xining" and "Ushuang," frigate "Linyi," and supply ship "Taihu," engaged in a comprehensive set of maneuvers aimed at enhancing maritime security and operational readiness, Caliber.Az reports via the Russian Defence Ministry.

The exercise, held in the central part of the Sea of Japan, saw the naval forces practicing a range of defensive measures including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures. Under unified command, the task force successfully repelled simulated aerial attacks, navigated through mine-danger zones, and neutralized a floating sea mine. Additionally, the crews conducted drills to counter high-speed unmanned boats and aerial drones, and performed nighttime gunnery exercises against sea targets.

The "Ocean-2024" exercise, which runs until September 16, is part of the Russian Navy’s broader training program for 2024. This strategic exercise involves over 400 combat ships, submarines, and auxiliary vessels, more than 120 aircraft and helicopters, and approximately 90,000 personnel. It is being conducted under the direction of Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy.

The primary goals of the exercise are to evaluate the readiness of naval command units to manage diverse force groupings, tackle unconventional operational challenges, and effectively employ precision weapons and advanced military technology. The exercise also aims to strengthen cooperation with allied naval forces in addressing joint maritime security issues.

As part of the broader maneuvers, which also cover the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas, "Ocean-2024" represents a key element in the operational and combat training of the Russian Armed Forces for this year.