Russia is conducting its largest naval drills in three decades, termed “Ocean-2024,” involving over 400 ships, submarines and 120 naval aircraft, with 90,000 personnel. The exercises extend across the Pacific and Arctic Oceans and into the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas.
These maneuvers, set to continue until the week of Sept. 16, are seen by Moscow as crucial in countering perceived U.S. attempts to shift the security balance in the Western Pacific.
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At the same time, China and Russia initiated “Northern/Interaction-2024,” significant joint naval and air drills in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Announced on Monday, Sept. 9, these drills are intended to enhance strategic cooperation and the two nations’ collective response capabilities. This collaboration marks the fifth occurrence of joint maritime patrols in the Pacific between Russia and China.
Despite Beijing describing its relationship with Moscow as a non-confrontational partnership not aimed at any other nation, the exercises underscore a deepening military collaboration.
In response, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby indicated there is no need to adjust U.S. military strategies. Kirby said the long-planned drills are part of routine military cooperation between China and Russia.
However, Kirby also noted the historical mutual distrust between Russia and China, emphasizing the complex dynamics of their partnership.
Meanwhile, the U.S. redirected several aircraft carriers from the Western Pacific to the Middle East, creating a temporary strategic void. However, the USS Boxer and USS America, both capable of deploying F-35B stealth fighters, continue to patrol the region, maintaining U.S. military readiness in the Pacific.
