The Norwegian Armed Forces are monitoring the Russian Ocean-2024 naval exercise, which is taking place in the Baltic Sea.

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence reported on this.

“The Russian Navy has now launched the Ocean exercise. They will increase the activities of both the Northern and Baltic Fleets in our neighboring areas, in addition to long-range aircraft. We were prepared for this and planned to track Russian movements together with our allies,” says Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, chief of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.

As part of the operation, the Norwegian Navy’s corvette Storm followed a group of three Russian ships heading west of Norway for several days in a row.

“The Norwegian Armed Forces always closely monitor the situation in the neighboring regions. We have a good overview of activity through our own operations and sensors in addition to cooperation with our allies. The situation is ensured through presence and patrols on land, in the air, at sea, underwater, and with the help of space equipment,” Andersen added.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise will take place in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas.

More than 400 warships, submarines, and auxiliary support vessels will be involved in the exercise, lasting until September 16.

In addition, aviation and ground components will be involved – more than 120 aircraft and helicopters of the naval aviation of the Navy and Air Force, about 7,000 units of weapons, military and special equipment, and more than 90,000 personnel.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the purpose of the exercise was to test the Navy’s readiness for the integrated use of high-precision weapons and advanced weapons.

In the first stage of the exercise, it is planned to practice the deployment of force groups at designated training grounds.

The second stage is “combat operations” to defeat strategic targets and forces of a conventional enemy, landing and protecting maritime economic activity, the Russian Ministry of Defense said.

Russia’s “partners,” including China, will also participate in the exercise.