The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian naval exercises 'Ocean Shield 2023' have begun in the Baltic Sea.
"Since August 2, the Ocean Shield 2023 naval exercise has been taking place in the waters of the Baltic Sea under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov," the military body said, Sputnik reports.
More than 30 warships, 20 support ships, 30 air vehicles of the Russian naval aviation and aerospace forces, as well as some 6.000 military personnel, are participating in the maneuvers.
The military exercises are intended to test the Navy's readiness to defend Russia's national interests in an important operational zone and the coherence of headquarters at various levels in directing forces," the statement added.
According to the Russian defense ministry, activities will be carried out for the protection of maritime communications and the transfer of troops and military cargo.
More than 200 exercises are planned, including some with the actual use of weapons.
They also noted that after the end of the exercises, the ships will make internaval transitions to permanent bases, and the aviation will return to its airfields.
During the drills, the Navy will practice protecting shipping lanes, transporting troops and military cargo, and defending the coastline, according to the statement.
“In total, it is planned to carry out more than 200 combat exercises, including with the use of weapons,” he said.
Russia regularly conducts naval exercises in the Baltic Sea, often in response to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) exercises in the area.
