The Russian military, as promised, reacted to the large-scale NATO Sea Breeze exercises near our borders. So far, American, British, Ukrainian and others (32 countries in total) ships, armored vehicles and aircraft are practicing joint actions of an allegedly defensive nature, our military decided to check the operation of anti-air defense (air defense) systems in the Crimea. After all, 40 combat aircraft are involved in NATO maneuvers, and it is aviation that will have to perform priority tasks in the event of the outbreak of hostilities. "The air component during Sea Breeze will be trained for the use of combat aircraft in the interests of the fleet and ground forces. It is planned to conduct aerial reconnaissance, strike at sea and ground targets, transport troops and cargo, " said the official representative of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov.
"During the inspection of the air defense system, Su-30SM, Su-27 fighters, Su-24 bombers, as well as combat helicopters acted as control targets for S-400 air defense systems," Alexey Rulev, head of the information support department of the Black Sea Fleet, gave details about the course of our exercises. He specified that the aircraft performed the task both at the maximum distance from the radar detection zones, and at ultra-low altitudes, using the terrain for covering, which significantly complicated the task of the Crimean air defense. In turn, the combat crews of the S-400 Triumph and Pantsir complexes detected targets and conducted electronic launches on them-without actual firing. All targets were hit-the computer confirmed. This means that there will be no misses even with real launches.
Recall that on June 28, Sea Breeze maneuvers started in the Black Sea, which will be held in the period until July 10. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation earlier drew attention to the fact that the exercises are called naval, but at the same time there will be a landing on the territory of Ukraine. "Specifically, the marine landing is planned to be used at military training grounds in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. Thus, the true boundaries of military activity go far beyond the Ukrainian section of the Black Sea, " General Konashenkov noted.
It is emphasized that the Russian Defense Ministry will closely monitor the progress of the Sea Breeze exercise. If necessary, the Russian military will respond " adequately to the current situation in the interests of ensuring Russia's military security."
In total, about 4 thousand military personnel, 40 warships, boats and auxiliary vessels, as well as 30 aircraft units and more than 100 military vehicles and armored vehicles are involved in the ongoing Sea Breeze exercise.
Ivan Petrov