Dozens of Russian navy ships begin exercises in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.
More specifically, the Russian Ministry of Defense through Zvezda announced that the forces of the Pacific Fleet have started preparations for an operational exercise in a remote sea zone. Now, more than 60 warships and support vessels and approximately 11,000 military personnel, as well as 35 aircraft, are operating at sea.
During the exercises, tactical teams will conduct search and track missions for enemy submarines and practice combat missions against surface and air targets, including missile and artillery fire. Additionally, according to the Russian service, the Kremlin said it would organize air defense detachments of ships and logistical forces at sea.
The exercises will last from June 5 to 20, 2023, and will take place in the waters of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, under the leadership of the commander of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Viktor Lina.
Earlier, the Russian Pacific Fleet celebrated 292 years since its establishment. During this year, more than 140 tactical and over 200 naval exercises were successfully completed.
The Russian announcement about the exercise of the Russian fleet comes at a time when relations between Russia and Japan are more tense than ever. The main reason for this development is the US and NATO input, especially after it was announced that the US will transfer powerful weapons to the island state (such as Tomahawk cruise missiles).
Following the above announcements, Moscow warned Tokyo and urged it to normalize its policy so that Russo-Japanese relations would return to normal. The Japanese, however, appeared intransigent and with the constant pressure of the Americans they continue to provoke Russian anger.
As a result, the Russian military has increased its presence in the waters around Japan. An apt example of the strengthening of Russian forces is the deployment of powerful S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft systems in the Kuriles, putting an end to the previously developing Russian-Japanese discussions on the economic and touristic exploitation of the islands.
As for the Sea of Okhotsk, let's mention that it is located between Russian Siberia and Japan. Russia's massive naval exercises in the region will be just as important as those in the Sea of Japan. The Russians will be able to project their power and intimidate neighboring hostile states, including South Korea, which in cooperation with Japan wants to "throw" China and Russia out of the region.
