Russia holds largest military exercise in 30 years
For the first time in 30 years, Russia is holding its largest military exercise, called Ocean-24.
According to RIA Novosti, speaking at the opening of the "Ocean-2024" strategic command and staff exercise on September 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin said this was Russia's largest exercise in the past 30 years.
“Today begins the exercise phase, in which the most complex tasks, as close as possible to combat missions, will be carried out. For the first time in three decades, we are conducting such large-scale exercises at sea,” President Putin said.
The Russian leader added that ships and aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army also participated in the drills, along with representatives of 15 countries invited as observers.
President Putin stressed that in the context of increasing geopolitical tensions, it is especially important for Russia to pay attention to strengthening military cooperation with friendly and partner countries.
“The United States is trying to maintain its global military-political dominance at any cost. Pursuing this goal, by using Ukraine, they are trying to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, under the pretext of countering the alleged existing Russian threat; and at the same time, contain China. The United States and its allies are strengthening their military presence near Russia’s western borders, in the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific region,” Russian President Putin said.
President Putin recalled that Washington and its allies have publicly announced plans to deploy medium- and short-range missiles, including on islands in the Western Pacific, as well as in a number of Asia-Pacific countries. According to Putin, with such actions, the US wants to disrupt the existing security structure and the balance of power in the region, “actually provoking an arms race and disregarding the security of its allies.”
President Putin stressed that Russia must be prepared for any developments in the situation and the country's Armed Forces must ensure reliable protection of sovereignty and national interests.
The Russian leader added that Russia will continue to strengthen its Navy, including its strategic nuclear component.
The strategic command and staff exercises under the Ocean-2024 plan will last for a week, starting on September 10. The exercises will take place in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean, the Caspian and the Baltic Seas.
The exercise will involve more than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, as well as more than 120 aircraft and helicopters of the Navy and Aerospace Forces aviation, about 7,000 weapons, military and special equipment. A total of more than 90,000 servicemen will take part in the exercise.
