The defence ministry announced that Russia began large-scale naval drills on Wednesday, involving over 150 vessels and 15 000 military personnel. These drills will take place in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans as well as the Baltic and Caspian Seas.

The Ministry said that the "July Storm", or exercise, will take place from July 23 through July 27, and it will be a test of readiness for non-standard operations as well as the use of advanced technology, including unmanned systems.

The ministry stated that the crews will be practicing deployment in combat zones, anti-submarine warfare, and defending deployment areas as well as economic activity.

They will also "practice repelling attacks by air-attack weapons, unmanned vessels and enemy drones; ensuring safety of navigation and striking enemy targets and maritime groups."

The ministry announced that more than 120 aircraft and 10 coastal missiles systems will participate. The exercise will be led by Admiral Alexander Moiseev of the Navy.

According to public rankings, Russia's navy is the third-most powerful in the world after China and the United States. However, the navy has suffered several high-profile defeats during the Ukraine War.

(source: Reuters)