Russia's Pacific Fleet Launches Large-Scale Naval Exercises in Far East
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Monday that Russia's Pacific Fleet has commenced extensive naval exercises in the Far East, scheduled to last for two weeks.
The ministry stated that the drills, taking place in the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, will involve more than 60 warships and support vessels, 35 naval aircraft, coastal defense troops, and over 11,000 military personnel.
According to the ministry, the fleet's tactical groups and naval aviation will engage in combat training, including submarine tracking exercises, while focusing on improving naval air defense organization and logistics support.
The exercises, under the oversight of Admiral Viktor Liina, the commander of the Pacific Fleet, are scheduled to continue from June 5 to 20.
A video released by the ministry showcased Russian warships passing under a bridge, followed by their departure into the open sea.
These major exercises come after Russia's Pacific Fleet was placed on full combat readiness in April as part of an unexpected inspection. Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin that the operation involved over 25,000 service members, 167 ships, 12 submarines, and 89 aircraft.
Putin praised the surprise check, stating that it had been conducted "at a high level." He also emphasized that despite the conflict with Ukraine, "nobody has abandoned the task of developing the navy."
The exercises occur amid heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly on the Korean peninsula, which has witnessed numerous North Korean missile launches and joint military drills by the United States and South Korea.
The regional situation has been further strained by the standoff between China and the United States regarding Taiwan. Despite Beijing's opposition, Taiwan continues to acquire American weapons, while China considers the island to be part of its sovereign territory.
Furthermore, Russia and Japan remain entangled in a territorial dispute concerning the Kuril Islands. Tokyo disputes Moscow's sovereignty over four of the archipelago's islands, which were captured by the Soviet Union during World War II.
