Russia conducts its largest military exercise in 30 years.
For the first time in 30 years, Russia is conducting its largest military exercise, codenamed Ocean-24.
According to RIA Novosti, in his opening remarks at the "Ocean-2024" strategic command and staff exercise on September 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that this was Russia's largest military exercise in the past 30 years.
“Today marks the beginning of a phase of exercises in which the most complex tasks, as close to combat as possible, 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 exercise, along with representatives from 15 countries invited as observers.
President Putin emphasized that, in the context of increasing geopolitical tensions, it is particularly important for Russia to focus on strengthening military cooperation with friendly partner countries.
“The United States is trying to maintain global military and political dominance at any cost. In pursuing this goal, by using Ukraine, they are trying to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, under the pretext of countering the perceived existing threat from Russia; and at the same time containing China. The US and its allies are increasing their military presence near Russia’s western borders, in the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific region,” said Russian President Putin.
President Putin reiterated 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 several 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, “effectively instigating an arms race and disregarding the security of its allies.”
President Putin emphasized that Russia must prepare for any eventuality and that its armed forces must reliably protect its sovereignty and national interests.
The Russian leader added that Russia will continue to strengthen its Navy, including its strategic nuclear component.
The planned "Ocean-2024" strategic command and staff exercise will take place over one week, beginning on September 10th. The exercise will be held in the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic, the Mediterranean Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Baltic Sea.
The exercise will involve more than 400 warships, submarines, and support vessels, as well as over 120 aircraft and helicopters from the Navy's aviation and aerospace forces, and approximately 7,000 weapons, military equipment, and special devices. In total, more than 90,000 military personnel will participate in the exercise.
