With the participation of a significant number of ships and aircraft, the Russian Navy has launched Exercise Ocean 2024 (Okean 2024), featuring the Pacific, Northern, and Baltic Fleets, as well as the Caspian Flotilla. Additionally, the People’s Liberation Army Navy and Air Force from China are contributing units in the Pacific. The week-long exercise will involve over 400 ships, including submarines and support vessels, more than 120 naval aircraft, and over 90,000 personnel.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the activities scheduled for the exercise aim to enhance the operational and combat training of the participating forces. It has been noted by several outlets that this is one of the largest exercises planned by Russia’s armed forces for the remainder of 2024.
The Ministry’s statement highlights the “full use of precision weapons, advanced and modern arms, and military hardware during the practical phases of the exercise, as well as expanding cooperation with partner navies to carry out joint maritime missions.”
The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy explained that during the exercise, the Pacific and Baltic Fleets, along with the Caspian Flotilla, will act as friendly forces, while the Northern Fleet will take on the role of adversary. Additionally, 125 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be deployed in the exercise, while China will participate with four ships and 15 aircraft.
“We are placing special emphasis on strengthening cooperation with our friendly nations. This is crucial today, amid the growing geopolitical tensions worldwide,” stated the communiqué. So far, the Russian Ministry of Defense has only confirmed China’s participation, without mentioning any other countries involved.
China’s contribution includes a confirmed flotilla consisting of the cruiser CNS Wuxi (104), the destroyer CNS Xining (117), the frigate CNS Linyi (547), and the fleet oiler CNS Taihu (889). It’s worth noting that other naval units from Russia and China are simultaneously engaged in the Northern/Interaction-2024 Exercise, organized by China, in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.
The Ocean 2024 deployment is being closely monitored by several nations, notably Norway, due to the proximity of the exercise zones and the transit of naval units between regions. Recently, the Royal Norwegian Navy confirmed that one of its Skjold-class missile corvettes monitored the passage of a Baltic Fleet landing ship heading to the gathering point in the North Sea.
Cover photo used for illustration purposes.
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