Five ships and nuclear submarines from the Northern Fleet are slated to take part in the Main Sea Parade, a display of naval power that draws attention across the region and beyond. The plan, reported by a source close to the Russian Navy, outlines a lineup that emphasizes both surface craft and ballistic and attack submarines, underscoring the fleet’s continuing operational readiness and coastal defense posture. The parade is framed as a public demonstration of capability, discipline, and coordination among diverse classes of vessels, each playing a specific role in a synchronized maritime ceremony that blends history with current strategic signaling [CITATION: TASS].
According to the source, on July 30 the Northern Fleet will maneuver toward the main parade venues in St. Petersburg and Kronstadt, where the naval flotilla is expected to assemble for the ceremonial passage. The roster includes the large landing ship Ivan Gren, a proven workhorse for amphibious operations, alongside the Severomorsk, a large anti-submarine warfare ship designed to project sensor reach and fleet protection. In addition, the nuclear-powered cruisers Kazan and Vepr are anticipated to participate, bringing high-end propulsion and formidable fire control capabilities to the showcase. This combination of vessels highlights a balanced spectrum of power afloat, from amphibious support and escort duties to strategic strike potential, all coordinated to emphasize readiness, precision, and international visibility of Russia’s maritime forces [CITATION: TASS].
At the same time, officials emphasized that participation remains contingent on the vessels’ technical condition, and the final list could shift in the days leading up to the event. This caveat reflects the practical realities of keeping a modern fleet shipshape while preparing for a high-profile public event, where every movement must be executed with exact timing and flawless seamanship. The historically significant sea parades have periodically occurred away from the capital region, as evidenced by displays in Vladivostok and Kaspiysk in earlier years, with notable instances where local festivities proceeded despite disruptions elsewhere. In a broader sense, such ceremonies serve multiple purposes: they reinforce domestic morale, demonstrate naval modernization, and convey strategic signals to regional neighbors and international observers. In Sevastopol, a broader holiday schedule faced a disruption after a Ukrainian drone incident near the Black Sea Fleet headquarters, yet the fleet’s presence remained evident through aerial and surface demonstrations in other ports, including Novorossiysk, which continued to host naval units and spectators alike [CITATION: TASS].