Russian naval forces conduct Arctic drills, deploy anti-ship missiles

Russia’s Northern Fleet has deployed naval vessels to the Barents Sea for military exercises aimed at practising the protection of maritime communications and countering simulated enemy naval groupings.

The strike group taking part in the drills includes the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov and the frigate Admiral Golovko. Their safe departure from base locations was supported by mine countermeasure forces from the Kola Flotilla of heterogeneous forces.

Over several days, personnel are expected to conduct a range of training activities, including the defence of coastal infrastructure at Northern Fleet garrisons, countering modern robotic systems, and coordinating operations between naval forces and maritime aviation units.

In addition, a coastal missile brigade of the Northern Fleet has deployed the Bastion anti-ship missile system to a designated position on the Rybachy Peninsula as part of the exercise.

By Tamilla Hasanova