UA
FR
DEThe Russian Federation has announced the test of readiness of its air defence system in the occupied Crimea due to the start of the international military Exercise Sea Breeze.
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet informed that about two dozen aircraft were involved, including Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft, Su-27 and Su-30SM fighters, and Su-24M front-line bombers, as well as Mi-8 and Ka-27 helicopters. In addition, the combat readiness of several S-400 and Pantsir-S divisions was checked.
It is noted that the aircraft “performed missions both at the maximum distance from the zones of detected radar stations and at very low altitudes.”
Russian military also stated that they were closely following ships of NATO and other countries involved in the Exercise Sea Breeze 2021.
As a reminder, the solemn opening of the international Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 took place on Monday, 28 June, in Odesa. The event was attended by representatives of about 30 partner countries involved in the maneuvers.
This year’s exercises are the largest for more than 20 years. They will last until 10 July.
On the Ukrainian side, 24 ships and boats, 17 aircraft, dozens of units of weapons, and military equipment will be involved in the drills. Moreover, Ukrainian service members will account for the half of personnel out of 3,000 participants.
Sea Breeze 2021 will take place in four phases: arrival of forces and deployment of control points, coordination of forces, active phase, exercise progress review, and build-down of forces. About 50 servicepersons from 17 countries will be advisers and observers at the maneuvers.
The topic of this year’s multinational exercise is to conduct an international naval security operation in the crisis region in accordance with NATO standards to maintain peace and security. The goal is to gain experience of acting in the international environment during operations as part of multinational force of international operations.
Bohdan Marusyak
