Baltic Fleet Deployments - Wk 37/2020

September 07

Russian sources announce that the month long artillery training in Kaliningrad is in its final phase. Over the past month, over 400 soldiers and 100 pieces of equipment took part in the exercises. Over 200 different fire missions were conducted with the use of several artillery systems, including self-propelled guns, mortars and multiple launch rocket systems. Half of these missions took place at night. Approximately 2.000 high explosive shells and rockets were used during the training. [1]

Over 100 marines, supported by 15 pieces of military equipment, held a combat training exercise at the Khmelevka training ground in Kaliningrad. The marines fired several weapon systems during this exercise, these are reported as assault rifles and machine guns, sniper rifles, underbarrel and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers, as well as the armament of BTR-82A armored personnel carriers. [1]

September 08

A Su-27 fighter aircraft intercepted a US RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and a Swedish Gulf Stream reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The Su-27 returned back to base once both aircraft turned away from Russian airspace. [1] [2]

Over 100 troops of the Naval Infantry reconnaissance unit have started training parachute jumps out of a Mi-8 helicopter. The parachute jumps are conducted from an altitude of 1.200 meters. among the participating marines, 20 of them are reported to be young recruits. The jumps take place under the supervision of experienced instructors. Each marine will have to perform three parachute jumps. Later stages of the training will involve parachute jumps with full gear at night. The final exercise will involve a combat scenario. [1]

Buyan-M class corvette RFS Zelenyy Dol has left the White Sea and is returning back towards the Baltic Sea through several internal waterways. The ship will pass through the White Sea-Baltic Canal, Lake Ladoga and will leave for the Neva followed by a replenishment stop at Kronstadt. The vessel was in the White Sea in order to launch a Kalibr missile at a coastal target on the Chizha training ground [1]

September 09

Around 200 soldiers, supported by 30 pieces of military equipment, were involved in an artillery exercise at the Pravdinsky training ground in Kaliningrad. The soldiers trained in operating several artillery pieces such as the 2S3 Akatsiya and 2S5 Giatsint-S self-propelled guns, as well as BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket systems. The troops practiced setting up their artillery pieces and adjust their fire. Targets were acquired through various means which involved the use of reconnaissance troops and unmanned aerial vehicles. [1] [2]

September 10

A physical fitness check is taking place for all military personnel serving in the Baltic Fleet. Over the next week, all service members will be checked for their strength, agility, speed and endurance, in accordance with their age. The test reportedly involve performing pull-ups on the crossbar, lifting with a coup or force, pushing weights in a long cycle, bench press, running 60 and 100 meters, shuttle running 10 meters 10 times, running 1, 3, 5 kilometres, moving along narrow support (log) and other sports exercises [1]

September 11

Steregushchy class corvette RFS Boykiy simulated the launch of her Uran anti-ship cruise missiles as part of an anti-surface warfare exercise in the Baltic Sea. According to Russian sources, the attack was successful. The RFS Boykiy also held damage control and air defense exercises during her time at sea. [1]

September 12

A battalion size tactical exercise was held at the Khmelevka training area during which marines held live-firing exercise from small arms, BTR-82As and self-propelled artillery systems. The marines also practiced small-arms fire against ground targets from Mi-8 helicopters. some of these exercise took place form altitudes as low as 2 to 3 meters. In total, around 500 marines and 50 pieces of military equipment were involved in this exercise. [1]

The Zubr class LCAC RFS Mordoviya was involved in a mine laying operation in the Baltic Sea. The hovercraft laid a minefield of training mines which was designed to interdict the movement of hostile submarines. Once the minefield was completed, the minesweeper Leonid Sobolev passed through the area and cleaned up the minefield. [1]

September 13

The US Navy Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Ross has entered the Baltic Sea for a routine deployment. Russia announced that it will continuously monitor the deployment of and actions taken by the American destroyer. [1]