Baltic Fleet Deployments - Wk 29/2020
July 13
Russian media sources reported that the Udaloy class destroyer RFS Vice Admiral Kulakov and the Oscar-II class submarine RFS Orel held a series of exercises during the night of July 12 to 13. The exercises involved air-defense and anti-submarine warfare. the exercise reportedly took place in the Gulf of Finland. [1]
July 14
Frank Bottema reported the deployment of various Russian warships in the Baltic Sea and manage to capture several of them on satellite imagery. The first set of pictures showed the Type 636 improved Kilo class submarine RFS Volkhov in conjunction with a Steregushy class corvette, a Parchim class corvette and a Sibiryakov class hydrographic survey vessel. All ships were located east of the Swedish island of Gotland. The Swedish patrol vessel HSwMS Trosso and the Latvian patrol vessel P-09 were also in the vicinity. The second set of pictures showed the amphibious landing ship RFS Pyotr Morgunov at sea near Baltiysk, together with several other smaller vessels which probably included a Project 22800 Karakurt class. [1] [2]
Around 100 airborne reconnaissance troops held practice parachute jumps at the Khmelevka training grounds in the Kaliningrad Region. The soldiers jumped from an altitude of 1.000 meters in full combat gear from Mi-8 helicopters. Once on the ground, the troops set up a defense of their landing zone before attacking enemy positions. [1]
Naval Infantry units of the Baltic Fleet trained operating their BTR-82A Infantry Fighting Vehicles in the Kaliningrad Region. Over 20 BTR-82A IFVs are expected to take part at the Navy Day parade on July 26. The IFVs will be holding a demonstration while being afloat. [1]
July 15
The Baltic Fleet held a new rehearsal for the July 26 Navy Day Parade. The rehearsal took place at the Kaliningrad Sea Canal at Baltiysk and involved over 20 warships. Coordination with coastal and aerial activities was rehearsed during this session. [1] [2]
A large scale military training was reported in the Kaliningrad Region. the training allegedly involved over 1.500 military personnel and over 300 pieces of military equipment such as T-73B3 main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, Msta-S self-propelled guns and BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket systems. The exercise involves marching towards the combat area and deploy in combat formations. In a final stage of the exercise, the ground forces will practice the engagement against enemy tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and artillery positions. [1]
July 16
Frank Bottema was once again able to locate various warships of the Baltic Fleet at sea. His satelite imagery shows what looks like a Gremyashchiy class frigate, a Parchin class anti-submarine corvette and a Skundra class patrol boat. Also present are a Sibiryakov class and Ladoga class hydrographic survey vessel as well as a Kashtan class rescue vessel. The presence of detected anti-submarine warfare warships and hydrographic and rescue vessel, suggest that this is the escort and support group for the Type 636 class submarine RFS Volkhov. The submarine itself was not detected on the satellite image, suggesting that it was at the moment in a submerged position. The RFS Volkhov is currently conducting her sea trails before being transferred to the Pacific Fleet.
Just as on July 14, the Latvian patrol vessel P-09 was once again seen monitoring the Russian task force. [1]
July 17
Over 600 soldiers of the naval infantry units, together with 70 pieces of military equipment, were tasked to to bring themselves to maximum readiness and march towards the Khmelevka training ground. The exercise is part of a larger snap drill ordered by the Minister of Defense for the Southern and Far Eastern Military Districts, as well as various airborne and marine units.
During the march, the Naval Infantry had to fight off a simulated assault against its marching convoy. Once arrived at the Khmelevka training ground, the unit was instructed to prepare defenses in the coastal zone against an incoming attack.
Various amphibious ships of the Baltic Fleet also put to sea as part of the snap drill. [1] [2]
The Baltic Fleet Steregushchiy class frigate RFS Boyky arrived at Saint Petersburg in order to take part in the Navy Day Parade. The vessel arrived during the night and took up position at the Vasilievsky Island. Unlike most ships, the RFS Boyky will remain static during the Navy Day Parade. [1]
Another rehearsal for the Navy Day Parade was held in the Gulf of Finland. Russian sources did not specify which ships took part in this training. [1]
Two former conscripts were sentenced for several years in prison for stealing bullet proof vests at a training ground in Kaliningrad. The theft occurred in January 2018 when the two conscripts stole two bullet proof vests and sold them to an unidentified person outside the base. The two would later also steal more bullet proof vests and armored helmets. Though not mentioned in te article, it is possible that the vests and helmets were sold to a criminal organisation. [1]
Several unexploded ordnance were defused and destroyed in the Kaliningrad region. One AO-20-2.5 bomb together with seven fuses were found at the the Guryev city district. A 120 mm artillery shell and 75 mm artillery shell were found and defused near the village of Pavlovo, Baltic city district. The defused ammunition was later brought to a military training ground for further destruction. The news of the diffusion was reported the next day. [1]
July 18
A motorized rifle regiment, composed of 1.500 military personnel and 200 pieces of equipment, conducted a 50km long march towards the Khmelevka training ground. Upon arrival the regiment is expected to take part in several training exercises. The deployment of this regiment is part of the recent snap drill ordered in the Southern and Far Eastern Military Districts, as well as various airborne and naval infantry units spread throughout Russia. The goal of the snap drill is to measure the combat readiness of each unit. [1]
July 19
Amphibious training continued in the Kaliningrad Region as the Naval Infantry started loading equipment on various amphibious transport vessels. The marines loaded their BTR-82A vehicles on board of the Ropucha class landing ship RFS Kaliningrad, the Zubr class hovercraft RFS Evgeny Kocheshkov and Dyugon class landing crafts.
Once loaded, the amphibious landing ships will leave port and head towards the training beach. Corvettes, small missile boats of the Baltic Fleet will escort these vessels towards the training area while the naval aviation regiment provides air cover. Latter on, the Naval Infantry will stage an amphibious landing against an undefended coastline as part of the exercise. [1]
July 14
Frank Bottema reported the deployment of various Russian warships in the Baltic Sea and manage to capture several of them on satellite imagery. The first set of pictures showed the Type 636 improved Kilo class submarine RFS Volkhov in conjunction with a Steregushy class corvette, a Parchim class corvette and a Sibiryakov class hydrographic survey vessel. All ships were located east of the Swedish island of Gotland. The Swedish patrol vessel HSwMS Trosso and the Latvian patrol vessel P-09 were also in the vicinity. The second set of pictures showed the amphibious landing ship RFS Pyotr Morgunov at sea near Baltiysk, together with several other smaller vessels which probably included a Project 22800 Karakurt class. [1] [2]
Both the submarine RFS Volkhov and the landing ship RFS Pyotr Morgunov are in the progress of conducted their sea and factory trails respectively. The RFS Volkhov is being tested in her underwater capabilities, hence the escort of anti-submarine corvettes which are to track her movements and asses her capabilities. The presence of the Sibiryakov class hydrographic survey vessel is another indication of the submarine conducting underwater tests as the vessel is specifically designed to monitor the submarine environment. The surface ships also act as an escort to keep NATO and Swedish vessels out of the training area and thus preventing them from gathering data.
The RFS Pyotr Morgunov left the Yantar shipyard on July 09 in order to complete her factory trails. Russian sources mentioned that her training program included artillery firings against air and naval targets in the Baltic Sea and checking its radio-technical armament and air defense radar stations with the help of the Baltic Fleet’s aircraft. Her escorting warships presumably act as aides in order to test and evaluate her electronic systems which include establishing secure communication links as well as detection by radar. [3]
Around 100 airborne reconnaissance troops held practice parachute jumps at the Khmelevka training grounds in the Kaliningrad Region. The soldiers jumped from an altitude of 1.000 meters in full combat gear from Mi-8 helicopters. Once on the ground, the troops set up a defense of their landing zone before attacking enemy positions. [1]
Naval Infantry units of the Baltic Fleet trained operating their BTR-82A Infantry Fighting Vehicles in the Kaliningrad Region. Over 20 BTR-82A IFVs are expected to take part at the Navy Day parade on July 26. The IFVs will be holding a demonstration while being afloat. [1]
July 15
The Baltic Fleet held a new rehearsal for the July 26 Navy Day Parade. The rehearsal took place at the Kaliningrad Sea Canal at Baltiysk and involved over 20 warships. Coordination with coastal and aerial activities was rehearsed during this session. [1] [2]
A large scale military training was reported in the Kaliningrad Region. the training allegedly involved over 1.500 military personnel and over 300 pieces of military equipment such as T-73B3 main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, Msta-S self-propelled guns and BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket systems. The exercise involves marching towards the combat area and deploy in combat formations. In a final stage of the exercise, the ground forces will practice the engagement against enemy tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and artillery positions. [1]
July 16
Frank Bottema was once again able to locate various warships of the Baltic Fleet at sea. His satelite imagery shows what looks like a Gremyashchiy class frigate, a Parchin class anti-submarine corvette and a Skundra class patrol boat. Also present are a Sibiryakov class and Ladoga class hydrographic survey vessel as well as a Kashtan class rescue vessel. The presence of detected anti-submarine warfare warships and hydrographic and rescue vessel, suggest that this is the escort and support group for the Type 636 class submarine RFS Volkhov. The submarine itself was not detected on the satellite image, suggesting that it was at the moment in a submerged position. The RFS Volkhov is currently conducting her sea trails before being transferred to the Pacific Fleet.
Just as on July 14, the Latvian patrol vessel P-09 was once again seen monitoring the Russian task force. [1]
July 17
Over 600 soldiers of the naval infantry units, together with 70 pieces of military equipment, were tasked to to bring themselves to maximum readiness and march towards the Khmelevka training ground. The exercise is part of a larger snap drill ordered by the Minister of Defense for the Southern and Far Eastern Military Districts, as well as various airborne and marine units.
During the march, the Naval Infantry had to fight off a simulated assault against its marching convoy. Once arrived at the Khmelevka training ground, the unit was instructed to prepare defenses in the coastal zone against an incoming attack.
Various amphibious ships of the Baltic Fleet also put to sea as part of the snap drill. [1] [2]
The Baltic Fleet Steregushchiy class frigate RFS Boyky arrived at Saint Petersburg in order to take part in the Navy Day Parade. The vessel arrived during the night and took up position at the Vasilievsky Island. Unlike most ships, the RFS Boyky will remain static during the Navy Day Parade. [1]
Another rehearsal for the Navy Day Parade was held in the Gulf of Finland. Russian sources did not specify which ships took part in this training. [1]
Two former conscripts were sentenced for several years in prison for stealing bullet proof vests at a training ground in Kaliningrad. The theft occurred in January 2018 when the two conscripts stole two bullet proof vests and sold them to an unidentified person outside the base. The two would later also steal more bullet proof vests and armored helmets. Though not mentioned in te article, it is possible that the vests and helmets were sold to a criminal organisation. [1]
Several unexploded ordnance were defused and destroyed in the Kaliningrad region. One AO-20-2.5 bomb together with seven fuses were found at the the Guryev city district. A 120 mm artillery shell and 75 mm artillery shell were found and defused near the village of Pavlovo, Baltic city district. The defused ammunition was later brought to a military training ground for further destruction. The news of the diffusion was reported the next day. [1]
July 18
A motorized rifle regiment, composed of 1.500 military personnel and 200 pieces of equipment, conducted a 50km long march towards the Khmelevka training ground. Upon arrival the regiment is expected to take part in several training exercises. The deployment of this regiment is part of the recent snap drill ordered in the Southern and Far Eastern Military Districts, as well as various airborne and naval infantry units spread throughout Russia. The goal of the snap drill is to measure the combat readiness of each unit. [1]
July 19
Amphibious training continued in the Kaliningrad Region as the Naval Infantry started loading equipment on various amphibious transport vessels. The marines loaded their BTR-82A vehicles on board of the Ropucha class landing ship RFS Kaliningrad, the Zubr class hovercraft RFS Evgeny Kocheshkov and Dyugon class landing crafts.
Once loaded, the amphibious landing ships will leave port and head towards the training beach. Corvettes, small missile boats of the Baltic Fleet will escort these vessels towards the training area while the naval aviation regiment provides air cover. Latter on, the Naval Infantry will stage an amphibious landing against an undefended coastline as part of the exercise. [1]
