Iran Press/Europe: The exercises, which began on Tuesday, span across key strategic waters, including the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas.
The primary objective of these drills is to evaluate the combat readiness of Russia's naval forces and air force, alongside testing their ability to operate cohesively in complex scenarios. Speaking via video link at the exercise's inauguration, Putin emphasized the scale and significance of the maneuvers. The drills involve a staggering deployment of over 400 warships and submarines, supported by auxiliary vessels, 120 aircraft, and more than 90,000 military personnel.
A focal point of "Ocean-2024" is the simulated launch of high-precision weaponry, demonstrating Russia's advanced military capabilities. At a meeting with Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Putin noted that the drills would incorporate lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, further enhancing their operational effectiveness.
The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showcasing the firepower on display during the exercises. Among the highlights are the launches of "Oniks" and "Uran" cruise missiles from mobile coastal missile systems, "Bastion" and "Bal." The supersonic Oniks missiles, in particular, are noteworthy for their ability to strike targets up to 800 kilometers away at nearly three times the speed of sound.
China has also joined the drills, contributing four naval vessels and 15 aircraft from the People's Liberation Army. Additionally, representatives from 15 other nations have been invited to observe the exercises, underscoring the global interest in Russia's military capabilities.
214
