Russia northern fleet conducts navy exercises in Barents Sea

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 Aug 2023 15:23

Russia's Northern Fleet conducts strategic navy exercises in the Barents Sea to enhance Arctic maritime security and territorial defense.

Arrival of the Northern Fleet nuclear submarine missile cruiser Orel, 2021 (Russian MoD)

Russia's Northern Fleet has carried out a series of strategic navy exercises in the Barents Sea, focusing on protecting the nation's Arctic interests by preventing unauthorized and foreign ships from entering its waters.

According to a recent report by the Interfax news agency, these exercises were aimed at enhancing maritime security and territorial defense.

The navy drills prominently featured the destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov, simulating the interception of a mock intruder vessel in the Arctic Ocean, off the northern coasts of Russia. The Northern Fleet's press service, as reported by Interfax, highlighted the meticulous planning and execution of these drills.

The exercises reportedly commenced on August 10, but the duration was not specified.

The comprehensive nature of these drills underscored Russia's commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and maritime security in the Arctic region.

Interfax's report also shed light on the Northern Fleet's forward-looking strategy. The fleet is set to organize further exercises to ensure the protection of both insular and continental territories in the Arctic. Additionally, these exercises will play a crucial role in guaranteeing secure maritime navigation and various other Russian maritime economic activities in the Arctic zone.

Earlier this week, it was announced by the Russian MoD that a MiG-29 fighter jet stopped a Norwegian R-8A Poseidon base patrol aircraft traveling into Russian airspace over the Barents Sea.

The Ministry revealed that the crew of the Russian jet identified the target as a "P-8A Poseidon base patrol aircraft of the Norwegian Air Force," explaining that when the Russian fighter approached, the foreign craft made a U-turn away from the Russian border without committing any violations.

The flight of the MiG-29 was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters, and the fighter did not cross air routes or make any dangerous approach with the foreign aircraft, the Ministry added.

In the past few months, Russia has intercepted several Western fighter jets that came close to the country's borders as the war rages on.