Russia’s Naval Drills Signal Preparation for Potential NATO Confrontation

Russia is testing naval drones equipped with explosives to attack and destroy ships, copying Ukrainian tactics for fighting the navy, The Gaze reports, citing Business Insider.

The report states that Russian exercises are not aimed at war in Ukraine, as Kyiv does not have a traditional navy. Rather, they are aimed at NATO and a potential confrontation with this military alliance.

At the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine had almost no navy. However, to counter Russia, Kyiv launched an asymmetric campaign using domestic naval drones and missile strikes. These actions inflicted significant losses on Russia's Black Sea Fleet and forced it to move its headquarters from Crimea to Novorossiysk.

Russian President Putin stated that the Navy exercises are aimed at preparing the fleet to repel naval attacks and perform complex operational and tactical tasks in realistic conditions. “The training incorporates experience gained during the special military operation," he added.

Although the exercises may be related to the conflict in Ukraine, they are likely preparing Russia for a possible confrontation with NATO that is actively introducing drones into maritime operations. For example, the US Navy is reportedly developing training exercises to prepare sailors for such threats.

The Gaze wrote earlier that, according to a researcher at the Berlin-based Science and Politics Foundation, Helge Adrians, Europe should prepare for a new phase of escalation in the conflict with Russia in the Baltic region.