Russia launches naval drills in Baltic Sea

This was reported by the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defence.

"Since August 2, the Ocean Shield 2023 naval exercise has been taking place in the Baltic Sea under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Nikolai Evmenov," the statement said.

According to the Ministry of Defence, measures will be taken to protect maritime communications, transport troops and military cargo, and ensure the defence of the sea coast. In total, it is planned to perform more than 200 combat exercises, including with the use of weapons.

It is noted that over 30 military vessels and boats, 20 support vessels, 30 naval aviation and Aerospace Forces of Russia aircraft, and approximately 6,000 military personnel are involved in the drills.

"Upon completion of the exercise, the ships will make inter-fleet transfers to their permanent basing points, and the aircraft will return to their airfields," the statement added.

• In July, Russia and China held joint military exercises called "North/Interaction-2023" in the Sea of Japan, in which the navies and air forces of both countries were involved.