Russian Flotilla in Caspian Sea placed on alert
35 ships, including missile and artillery vessels, and more than 1,500 military personnel have been alerted for a surprise combat readiness inspection, the Russian Defense Ministry announced.
According to the military department, the drill will have two phases. During the first phase, the crews of Caspian Flotilla ships urgently prepared for combat and movement, and marine infantry divisions marched to staging areas.
“During the second phase, the flotilla’s ship forces will practice firing missile and artillery shots at seaborne, coastal and airborne targets. Minesweeper groups will carry out mine-sweeping tasks, and support vessels will replenish reserves. The marine infantry will prepare for defense against a coastal landing and for offensive action,” the announcement states.
According to the report, the inspection will last until the end of the week, and involves the crews of the missile ship “Tatarstan”, the small missile and artillery ships “Astrakhan”, “Grad Sviyazhsk”, “Uglich”, “Volgodonsk”, “Makhachkala”, minesweeper ships, artillery boats and support vessels.
Recently, on 24 June, ahead of the upcoming Tsentr-2019 exercise, the forces of Russia’s Central Military District also underwent a surprise inspection. According to Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, this inspection will last until 28 June and will involve over 50 drills at more than 35 training grounds.