A mock enemy submarine was destroyed during an exercise by anti-submarine ships of the Pacific Fleet. The event was announced by the fleet’s press service through Interfax, confirming the completion of a controlled drill in which training objectives were met and tests validated. The report emphasizes how the exercise tested the coordinated capabilities of surface ships and air assets in a simulated combat scenario against a foreign-flagged submarine acting as the opposing force.
The exercise took place in the waters around Peter the Great Bay, a region known for its strategic naval importance and busy maritime traffic. In that area, crews aboard small anti-submarine ships conducted a rigorous tactical drill designed to mirror real-world conditions and enhance readiness for potential future operations. The exercise scenario required the ships to execute a carefully choreographed search, tracking, and engagement sequence against a credible, albeit fabricated, submarine threat.
During the initial phase of the exercise, aligned with the fleet’s combat training plan, two ship-based search and attack groups were established. The participating units included the small anti-submarine ships Sovetskaya Gavan, Koreets, MPK-82, and MPK-221. Each group was assigned its own sector of oceanic space to probe, monitor, and neutralize the simulated enemy submarine. The division of sectors ensured continuous coverage and allowed for dynamic, independent decision making by the crews while maintaining overall coordination with the fleet’s command structure.
Within their designated sectors, the groups engaged in a multi-layered approach to locating the simulated submarine. The first group leveraged a combination of sonar detection, visual patrols, and coordinated air support to intensify the search efficiency. A Ka-27PL naval helicopter contributed to the effort by extending the visual and sonar reach from above, providing critical data on water currents, submarine depth, and possible movement patterns. This integration of surface and air assets demonstrates how joint operations are employed to create a comprehensive awareness picture in challenging maritime environments.
In parallel, the second group of ships relied on their onboard anti-submarine weapons systems to pursue the target. The tactical sequence involved methodical tracking, coordinated maneuvering to close the gap, and deliberate deployment of protective measures designed to minimize exposure to potential countermeasures. The exercise simulated engagement with a submarine that behaved as a determined adversary, employing counter-detection tactics and evasive maneuvers to test the resilience and adaptability of the surface forces and their crews.
The simulated enemy submarine was ultimately detected through a combination of sonar readings and operational intelligence, and it was neutralized using a blend of mine-like measures and torpedo-like devices appropriate to the exercise scenario. The outcome illustrates how layered sensors, precise weapon employment, and disciplined crew teamwork can achieve success in a controlled environment while preserving safety and structural integrity of the ships involved. This result reinforces the Pacific Fleet’s commitment to maintaining high readiness and demonstrating effective anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the region.
Earlier reports highlighted ongoing training at Vladivostok facilities where the Pacific Fleet prepared for a conditional drone defense of a naval base, underscoring the broader scope of readiness activities conducted in parallel with maritime exercises. In these drills, naval aviation crews trained to identify, track, and respond to aerial threats while surface ships and submarines engaged in complementary tasks that broadened their collective proficiency. The synchronized activities reflect a holistic approach to defense readiness, combining air, surface, and undersea capabilities to deter aggression and reinforce regional security. [Source: Pacific Fleet press service]