Russia Holds Large-Scale Naval Exercises Amidst Setbacks in Crimea

Russia has commenced major naval exercises involving a significant portion of its fleet, widely considered the third most powerful in the world. These exercises, spanning thousands of miles and involving various Russian forces, come after annual Navy Day celebrations and a speech by President Vladimir Putin.

In his address, Putin threatened to deploy new missiles within striking distance of the West if the US proceeds with plans for long-range missiles in Germany. However, these developments follow a series of setbacks for Russia's navy in Crimea at the hands of Ukraine's military. Notably, the Black Sea fleet, Putin's prized possession, is absent from the drills amidst claims of retreat from the annexed peninsula.

# Scope of the Exercises

The pre-planned exercises involve most of Russia's fleet across the Arctic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Baltic and Caspian seas. The only fleet not participating is the Black Sea fleet, which has faced difficulties adapting to modern drone warfare and suffered heavy losses since the invasion of Ukraine.

# Purpose of the Exercises

Moscow frequently conducts military drills and parades as a show of strength to both its own population and adversaries. These exercises come amidst Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and attempts to undermine NATO, which Moscow views as encroaching on its borders.

The stated purpose of the exercises is to assess the actions of military authorities at all levels and the readiness of crews and equipment to perform tasks. The drills will involve over 300 combat exercises with live fires, including the use of various weaponry.

# Scale of the Exercises

The exercises will involve approximately 20,000 personnel, 300 surface ships and boats, submarines, support vessels, 50 aircraft, and over 200 units of military and special equipment. Russia also possesses a significant ballistic-missile nuclear submarine fleet.