The flagship of the Pacific Fleet, the missile cruiser Varyag, and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov have departed Vladivostok for open sea, moving to a designated training area where they conducted emergency battle and campaign preparations. This movement was confirmed by the Pacific Fleet’s official communications channel, which also noted that the ships would test and refine procedures critical for ongoing operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
In Peter the Great Bay, the crews boarded Ka-27 helicopters configured for anti-submarine warfare and search-and-rescue missions. These helicopters, part of the fleet’s naval aviation component, took off from their home airfield in Primorsky Krai to perform a series of training flights and mission rehearsals. The exercises emphasized the coordination between surface ships and air assets, a key factor in maintaining fleet readiness for diverse maritime scenarios.
According to the Pacific Fleet press service, the ship detachment is scheduled to undertake a broad spectrum of tasks. Among these are port visits to foreign destinations as part of routine operations and high-level business discussions within the Asia-Pacific theater. The schedule reflects the fleet’s intent to maintain steady engagement with regional partners while ensuring secure maritime access and interoperability with allied navies.
On January 14, Viktor Liina, the Commander of the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet, reported progress on the modernization of large submarines. Specifically, Project 949A Antey class boats are being equipped with new missile systems, ensuring their capabilities remain competitive with modern submarine platforms. This upgrade aligns with broader efforts to incorporate next-generation technology while preserving the operational reach of the submarine force.
Earlier, on December 11, the large anti-submarine ships (BOD) of the Russian Pacific Fleet reached Manila, Philippines, signaling continued maritime presence and professional exchanges within Southeast Asia. The long-range ships executed standard ports-of-call and friendly port visits that contribute to regional maritime security partnerships and understanding among navies with shared waterspace interests.
In November, the Pacific Fleet’s Admiral Panteleev completed a visit to Thailand, a gesture that underscored sustained dialogue and training cooperation with Southeast Asian partners. Such visits are often accompanied by professional exchanges, technical demonstrations, and the sharing of best practices in submarine and anti-submarine warfare, contributing to mutual confidence and readiness between allied forces.
Meanwhile, in Vladivostok, the delivery of the deep-sea vehicle AS-30 marked another milestone in expanding the fleet’s autonomous and underwater capabilities. AS-30 enhances deepwater reconnaissance and support for submarine operations, enabling more precise intelligence gathering and safer manned and unmanned interactions in challenging ocean depths.
These activities collectively illustrate a strategic approach that blends periodic readiness drills, modernization of aging platforms, and deliberate engagement with regional partners. The Pacific Fleet’s calendar features a mix of training flights, surface ship operations, submarine modernization, and international port calls designed to sustain operational preparedness and strengthen maritime security in the wider Pacific region. The emphasis on integrated air-sea cooperation, long-range deployment, and ongoing modernization signals Russia’s intent to maintain a credible posturing in contested maritime domains while supporting its military diplomacy with neighboring states. In short, the fleet is pursuing a balanced program that harmonizes technology upgrades, tactical readiness, and regional partnerships to ensure steady maritime influence and secure sea lanes for Russia’s interests.