Russian Naval Infantry - September 2020

 September 01

Caspian Flotilla: 

Artillery batteries and separate anti-tank platoons held a live firing exercise at the Adanak training ground in the Republic of Dagestan, in preparation for the Kavkaz-2020 exercise. Over 100 marines were involved in the artillery training exercise which involved the use of 122-mm D-30 howitzers , the anti-tank guided missile systems "Metis", "Fagot" and the 120-mm 2B11, and 2S12 mortars. [1]

Pacific Fleet:

First year cadets at the Far Eastern Higher Combined Arms Command School (DVOKU) received their anti-tank training at the Belogoryevsky training ground. The test involved having a tank approaching the trench occupied by a marine who then has to time the moment for throwing an anti-tank grenade. [2]

September 02

Black Sea Fleet:

Black sea Fleet Naval Infantry held a training exercise at the Opuk training grounds in Crimea. The Marines, deployed in over 40 BTR-82As were tasked to attack and capture a defended coastline as preparation for the upcoming Kavkaz-2020 military exercise. Over 20 warships and support vessels supported the amphibious assault. [3]

September 03

Caspian Flotilla:

Artillery training continued on the Adanak in the Dagestan region with the marines conducting over 50 fire-missions with their 122mm D-30 artillery systems against positions belonging to an attacking conventional enemy. Eleron-3 UAV and artillery spotters provided the necessary targeting information for the gunners to engage the enemy. [4] 

Images of this exercise were posted on social media on September 10. [4a] [4b]

September 07

Baltic Fleet:

Over 100 Baltic Fleet Naval Infantry, supported by 15 pieces of military equipment, held both offensive and defensive combat exercises at the Khmelevka training ground in Kaliningrad. The company sized unit completed various tasks such as overcoming mine-explosive obstacles and evacuating the wounded from the battlefield. The culmination of the training session was to capture buildings inside a residential quarter.
The marines used various weapon systems during the training exercise. These weapon systems were reported as assault rifles and machine guns, sniper rifles, underbarrel and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers, as well as the armament mounted on BTR-82A armored personnel carriers. [5]

September 08

Baltic Fleet:

Over 100 marines, including 20 young recruits, of the reconnaissance units have started a month long parachute training course in the Kaliningrad Region. The marines, under supervision of experience instructors, will practise jumping out of Mi-8 helicopters from  an altitude of 1.200 meters. Each marine will have to perform three jumps in this stage of the training. Later stages involve jumping with full combat gear at night. The final stage will reportedly be centered on a combat exercise. [6]

September 09

Caspian Flotilla

Naval infantry units of the Caspian Flotilla held an airborne and amphibious landing at the Zelenomorsk training ground in Dagestan. The landing started with a first wave of marines arriving by Mi-8AMTSh helicopters who secured the initial landing zone. this was followed by the arrival of several engineers by speedboat. Once the engineers were on the beach, they started looking for mines and open up corridors through which the main landing formation could pass. Photo's of the exercise showed that at least three BTR-82A armored personnel carriers were part of the main landing force.
The exercise was supported by elements of the 4th Air Army who provided 10 aircraft, including Mi-35 helicopters, while the Caspian Flotilla allocated 10 warships for this landing. At least two Dyugon class landing craft, one identified by the hull number 725, were part of the amphibious landing group. In total, over 1.500 military personnel were involved in this exercise. [7] [8]

September 11

Baltic Fleet:

The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video of Baltic Fleet Naval Infantry conducting an artillery exercise at the Pravdinsky training ground in the Kaliningrad region. The video showed Russian marines firing rockets from two BM-21 Grad Multiple Launch Rocket Systems. The precise date when this exercise took place was not reported but it was most likely part of the large scale artillery exercise held on September 9. [9] [10]

September 12

Baltic Fleet:

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. [11]

Northern Fleet:

Northern Fleet Naval infantry was involved in an amphibious landing exercise at Tiksi Bay in the Arctic Region which centered on landing an raiding group in an area that was captured by hostile forces. Udaloy class destroyer RFS Severomorsk and two Ka-27 helicopters provided fire support as a first wave of marines approached the beach with high-speed boats. the first wave secured a beachhead where the Ropucha class landing ship RFS Kondopoga could land the main force with their BTR-82As and DT-10 Vityaz tractors. Once ashore, the group was send out to search and destroy hostile reconnaissance and sabotage teams which had captured the area prior to the arrival of the marines. The last training exercise at Tiksi Bay dates back from 2018. [12]

September 14

Caspian Flottila:

Naval Infantry units reportedly held a defensive exercise during which they had to defend a coastal zone against an enemy attack. Russian radiation, chemical and biological (RCB) units were also involved in this exercise. The RCB units were task to hide the movement and deployment of the Marines behind a 4km smokescreen. The RCB units also did reconnaissance of the marching routes and checked these for chemical and biological contamination. They also decontaminated equipment after it passed through contaminated areas. [13]

September 15

Baltic Fleet:

Over 500 marines, supported by 20 pieces of military equipment, were involved in a combat training exercise at the Khmelevka training ground in the Kaliningrad Region. The marines were tasked to clear out a position held by paratroopers of a simulated enemy. The marines reportedly used 2S9 'Nona' self propelled guns to shell the positions held by the opposing forces. Later on, the marines assaulted these positions with small arms and grenades with support from artillery and armored personnel carriers. [14]

Pacific Fleet:

Over 70 Naval Infantrymen and 20 pieces of military equipment held a live firing training at the Radygino training ground. The marines deployed several 2S1 'Gvozdika' self propelled guns at the training ground and worked out several firing exercise both on the individual and group levels. The targets were both stationary and moving objects belonging to a simulated conventional enemy, with distances up to eight kilometres. Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles were used for both spotting targets, adjusting artillery fire and evaluation of the fire missions. [15] [16]

September 17

Northern Fleet:

Around 100 marines of the air assault battalion of the 61st Separate Marine Brigade practiced parachute jumps from a Mi-8 helicopter in various weather conditions. The jumps started during the morning and lasted until the evening. The marines who took part are reported to be a mixed batch of new recruits and experienced marines. The new recruits need at least four jumps to be qualified while the more experienced marines took part in order to improve their skills. 

Russian sources also state that the season for parachute jumps is almost at an end as autumn and winter conditions are coming near. [17]

September 19

Northern Fleet:

Several marines held a small-arms training exercise near the town of Sputnik in the Pechenga region of the Murmansk region. During the training, the marines practiced firing  Yarygin and Makarov pistols and Kalashnikov assault rifles at both moving and stationary targets from various positions. the firing distances varied between 10 to 300 meters. A special construction was build so that marines could practice firing a machine gun while being suspended on a parachute lining. [18]

September 20

Northern Fleet:

Russian sources reported on the 24th of an amphibious exercise at the Provideniya Bay in Chukotka region. The marines were deployed near the village of Ureliki where they were to block and destroy a group of irregular forces operating in the Arctic. The marines used their BTR-82As and their small arms during this tactical exercise.
The marines reportedly also trained with border guard units of the Far Eastern district near Cape Chaplin. [34]

September 21

Caspian Flotilla:

As part of the Kavkaz-2020 exercise in Southern Russia, the Naval Infantry Regiment was alerted and marched towards its concentration areas at the Turali and Adanak training grounds. The regiment is instructed to hold the coastal areas against simulated hostile attacks as well as prepare for a tactical amphibious landing later on. As preparation for this landing, the unit has started to inspect their BTR-82A armored personnel carriers.

Artillery units, equipped with BM-21 'Grad' multiple launch rocket systems and 122mm D-30 howitzers, have reportedly took up firing positions at the Zelenomorsk region. Their task is to aid in the coastal defense and conduct fire missions against formations of simulated irregular forces. At least one battery of BM-21 and one battery of D-30 howitzers were seen being deployed.

Engineering units are reportedly constructing obstacles to defend the coastal zones. Several patrols are held to secure the area. [19] [20]

Black Sea Fleet: 

Naval Infantry units started loading their BTR-82A armored personnel carriers into the Ropucha class landing ships RFS Caesar Kunikov, RFS Azov and RFS Novocherkassk. The marines will reportedly take part in the Kavkaz-2020 military exercise. There were no reports when and where the marines will make an amphibious landing. [26] [27]

September 22

Caspian Flotilla:

A battalion sized group of around 700 marines, supported by 30 pieces of military equipment, took part in simulated attack at the Adanak training ground in the Republic of Dagestan during the Kavkaz-2020 exercise. The marines were tasked to engage and destroy a group of insurgents operating near Adanak.
The marines started their attack with an airborne assault with Mi-8 helicopters. Mi-35 'Hind' attack helicopters provided air support during this assault.
The main force of the battalion, mounted in BTR-82A armored personnel carriers,  conducted a forced march towards the rear of the enemy and prevented its escape. Several sections of the road towards the enemy rear were mined and as such, engineers had to create safe corridors during the march.

Artillery fire support was provided by BM-21 'Grad' MLRS, 122mm D-30 howitzers and 120mm 2S12 'Sani' mortars. [21]

September 23

Caspian Flotilla:

An amphibious landing of a battalion of marines took place at the coast near Zelenomorsk in Dagestan as part of the Kavkaz-2020 military exercise in southern Russia. The landing was done against a coastline which was held by irregular forces. 

The exercise started with BM-21 'Grad' MLRS as well as Mi-8 and Mi-35 attack helicopters attacking the landing beach and suppress the hostile forces present on the beach. An advance team of marines was the first to land on the coast, transported by a high speed boat, and started to engage the defenders with small arms fire. Artillery fire and attack helicopters reportedly were once again active once the BTR-82A armored personnel carriers came on land.

At least three BTR-82As were landed, as well as an air defense system to keep the beachhead safe from enemy air attacks. [22] [23] [24] [25]

Reconnaissance units of the Naval Infantry conducted an ambush on a convoy of irregular forces traveling through Dagestan. The convoy was composed of a BTR-82A, a military truck, and another BTR-82A forming the rear. The marines ambushed the convoy as it passed a rocky area which the marines used for cover. The ambush was conducted with small arms and light machine guns. The marines were able to take prisoners during the ambush. The convoy was previously discovered with the use of Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles. [28] [29]

September 24

Caspian Flotilla:

A battalion sized unit of naval infantry were involved in a night action against irregular forces at an unspecified coastal area in the Dagestan Republic. Groups of irregular forces attempted to land on the coastline during the night with the use of unmarked high speed boats. Forwards observers on the beach identified the approaching boats and transmitted the reports to a nearby fighting positions. Once close enough to the beach, a battery of 122-mm 2S12 "Sani" mortars fired illuminating rounds. Once illuminated, the irregular forces were fired upon by the marines with small arms fire and their BTR-82As. The BTR-82As were positions in a hull down position at the beach and were firing with tracer ammunition. [31] [37]

Northern Fleet:

The marines of the Northern Fleet carried out an amphibious landing near the village of Egvekinot in the Cross Bay at the Bering Strait. The Ropucha class landing ships RFS Kondopoga approached the coast and landed the marines on the beach itself. The marines deployed at least three BTR-82As and two Vityaz two-link tracked tractors. Once landed, the marines launched raid actions to search for, encircle and destroy the reconnaissance groups belonging to a conventional enemy. This resulted on a small scale engagement close to the initial landing position. [33] [38]

September 25

Black Sea Fleet:

The initial actions for an amphibious landing took place in the area of the Vityazevskaya Spit. Su-34 aircraft of the naval aviation regiment as well as surface warships, bombarded enemy positions at the beach. The minesweepers Kovrovets, Vice-Admiral Zakharyin, Valentin Pikul, Caesar Kunnikov and Yamal then escorted the landing force through a simulated minefield.

The main landing force is composed of the Ropucha class landing ships RFS Caesar Kunikov, RFS Azov and RFS Novocherkassk which were loaded on the 21st. [30]

Caspian Flotilla

Around 500 marines were involved in an offensive maneuver against insurgents operating in the mountains near Adanak, Dagestan. The insurgents were first detected with the use of Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles. An air assault unit was airlifted to the location to pin down the insurgents while a ground element moved in. At least two Mi-35 attack helicopters provided support for the marines. The ground element itself consisted of at least two platoons of marines mounted in BTR-82A armored personnel carriers. Fire support was provided by a battery of 122-mm 2S12 "Sani" mortars as well as BM-21 'Grad' MLRS and 122mm D-30 howitzers. [32]

An additional amphibious landing took place at Zelenomorsk in the Dagastan region. Su-24 bombers as well as Mi-24 and Mi-35 helicopters provided air support and bombardment simulated enemy positions prior to the landing. Several missile boats, including the Iranian vessels Joshan and Paykan, provided fire support as the air assault units landed on the beach in Mi-8 helicopters. Once the air assault units had taken control of a beachhead, two Dygong class landing craft approached the shore and landed their BTR-82As.
Russian forces also made use of a floating crane platform, identified as the military transport VTR-79. The floating crane was able to put 15 BTR-82As in the water which then set of towards the beachhead as additional reinforcement. [35] [36]

September 28

Baltic Fleet:

A large scale amphibious exercise is announced for the Kaliningrad Region. Over 1.000 servicemen supported by 100 pieces of military equipment will take part in this exercise which reportedly last until the end of week 40. The first stage of the exercise will be the embarkation on landing ships and crafts followed by a transition towards the training area. The main task assigned to the Naval Infantry is to capture territory held by simulated opposing forces and liberate coastal infrastructure. The operational maneuver envisions blocking the enemy force followed by its destruction through combined arms. [39]

Reconnaissance troops equipped with Orlan and Zastava UAVs reportedly arrived on the Khmelevka training ground. These troops will provide real time reconnaissance and observation during the amphibious landing. These UAVs will also be used to collect information on the movements made by the opposing forces. [40]

Northern Fleet

Northern Fleet Naval Infantry held their battalion-level tactical exercise at Pechenga Bay as conclusion of the summer training period. Around 500 marines supported with 60 pieces of military equipment were involved in this exercise. The exercise involved various smaller exercise to test the capabilities of the marines to operate in a wide variety of landscapes which included urban warfare. 

An initial amphibious landing was made against a defended coast. The marines then pushed deeper inland with a crossing over a river in order to engage insurgent forces in an urban environment and rescue hostages. The exercise also tested the combined arms integration within the battalion with different weapon systems taking part in the exercise. The marines relied on their BTR-82As and Mi-8 for transportation while 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled mortars and BM-21 Grad MLRS provided fire support. [41] [42] [45]

Caspian Flotilla:

Russian sources report that the Caspian Flotilla Naval Infantry has completed its participation in the Kavkaz-2020 military exercise. The marines marched from the training grounds at Zelenomorsk, Turali and Adanak and returned back to their main barracks. [43]

Black Sea Fleet:

Over 200 marines of the Black Sea Fleet completed a small-arms training at the Kazachy training ground. The marines practiced firing on stationary and moving targets at distances between 100 to 1.000 meters. The weapons involved were reported as AK-74 assault rifles, RPG-7V rocket propelled grenades and the main armament of BTR-82A APCs. [44]

September 29

Baltic Fleet:

A company sized unit conducted an amphibious landing on the Khmelevka training ground in the Kaliningrad Region. The marines were embarked on the Ropucha class landing ships RFS Koroloev and RFS Minsk, Zubr class hovercraft RFS Evgeny Kocheshkov and on three landing craft, most likely of the Dygong class. Naval artillery and airstrikes took place prior to the amphibious landing. Su-30SM and Su-24 bombers of the naval aviation regiment provided the air support during this phase. Both the airstrikes as the naval gunfire targeted simulated air defense and coastal batteries.
The marines landed on the beach in their BTR-82A APCs. According to Russian sources, the BTR-82As left the ships and approached the coast under their own power.

the exercise reportedly focused on how fast the marines could be deployed from their bases, load up in the landing ships and be deployed on a hostile coast. [46]

Caspian Flotilla:

Over 1.000 marines have started inspecting weapon systems and vehicles in the aftermath of the Kavkaz 2020 military exercise. The marines will check the performance of their equipment, inspect the electrical systems of weapons and military systems, replacing oils, lubricants and coolant on vehicles and performing maintenance work on batteries and special equipment. Over 400 pieces of miltary equipment will be serviced in the coming days. [47]

September 30

Baltic Fleet:

A battalion sized unit of around 500 marines conducted a night march of around 120km towards their forward operating area as part of a large scale tactical exercise in the Kaliningrad Region. The marines reportedly had to neutralize groups of special forces during the march to prevent their movement from being detected. During the daytime, the marines started to set up command posts and field fortifications as preparation for further exercises during this week. [48]

Caspian Flotilla:

The air assault company of the Caspian Flotilla Naval Infantry has reportedly started practicing parachute jumps. The marines who take part in this course will conduct over 100 parachute jumps in full combat gear during both daytime and nighttime. A first stage involves mastering the procedure for packing parachutes and working out the controls for the main and reserve parachutes on special simulators. The servicemen also performed complex exercises to strengthen the ankle joints in order to avoid injuring their legs upon landing.
Following this first stage, the marines then proceeded to jump out of Mi-8 helicopters with a three second stabilization fall before manually opening the parachute. The parachutes involved are reported to be the Arbalet-2, as well as the D-10 parachute. [49]