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Russia Conducts Major Navy Drills Without Black Sea Fleet Participation

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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Russia Conducts Major Navy Drills Without Black Sea Fleet Participation
The missile cruiser Moskva, at the time the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, was hit on April 13, 2022 by Ukrainian PKR R-360 Neptun and sank. Source: Getty Images

The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced a large-scale naval exercise involving the Northern, Pacific, and Baltic Fleets, as well as the Caspian Flotilla. According to the ministry, over 20,000 military personnel, around 300 combat ships and vessels, up to 50 aircraft, and more than 200 units of military and special equipment are participating in the drills.

On September 13, 2023, the submarine was hit by a missile strike by the Armed Forces of Ukraine using Storm Shadow cruise missiles. As a result of the missile hit and subsequent fire, the submarine was seriously damaged. Source: Open Source
On September 13, 2023, the submarine was hit by a missile strike by the Armed Forces of Ukraine using Storm Shadow cruise missiles. As a result of the missile hit and subsequent fire, the submarine was seriously damaged. Source: Open Source

Notably, the Black Sea Fleet is not participating in these exercises. This exclusion is attributed to several factors, including the Montreux Convention, which restricts the passage of warships from countries at war. Additionally, the Black Sea Fleet has sustained significant losses over the past two years of conflict and is currently focused on protecting its remaining ships from Ukrainian maritime drones.

The exercises include surface-to-air and artillery fire drills against maritime and aerial targets, tactical maneuvers for deploying passive countermeasures, and the use of anti-submarine warfare equipment. Recent events also featured the Russian Navy Day celebrations in Kaspiysk, where two small missile ships previously stationed in the Black Sea were observed.

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