The Russian Defense Ministry announced on 2nd August the start of the Ocean Shield 2023 naval exercises in the Baltic Sea.

The purpose of the naval drills is to assess the Russian Navy's readiness to defend the country's interests in a critical area, as well as the coordination of the various military forces.

Such an exercise could become an area of tension for NATO and European Countries.

Huge Power

During the exercise, measures for the protection of maritime communications, transportation of armies and military cargo, as well as for the defense of the sea coast will be worked out. In total, it is planned to perform more than 200 combat training, including the practical use of weapons.
The exercise involves more than 30 combat ships and vessels, 20 support ships, 30 aircraft of the Naval Aviation and the Russian Aerospace Forces, and about 6,000 servicemen.

NATO Operation Ocean Shield was NATO’s contribution to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa, that ran between Aug. 17, 2009 and Dec. 15, 2016.

About Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is located in Northern Europe, from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 20°E to 26°E longitude. It is bounded by the Scandinavian Peninsula, the mainland of Northern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Europe, and the Danish islands.
The Baltic Sea is artificially linked to the White Sea by the White Sea Canal and to the North Sea by the Kiel Canal.