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Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Alexander Moiseyev and Defence Minister of the Republic of Belarus Viktor Khrenin also participated in the video link-up from the Main Admiralty. Commanders of the fleets and flotilla presented reports.

Following his review of the July Storm naval exercise, Vladimir Putin extended his Navy Day greetings to all sailors once again. Vladimir Putin then spoke with residents and visitors of St Petersburg in Palace Square.

The Russian Navy’s July Storm exercise took place from July 23 to 27 under the overall command of Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, spanning the Pacific and Arctic oceans as well as the Baltic and Caspian seas. The drills tested the fleets and flotilla’s readiness to conduct unconventional operations, and tested the integrated employment of long-range precision weapons, unmanned systems, and both next-generation and current military hardware.

The large-scale manoeuvres involved over 150 warships and support vessels, 120 aircraft, 10 coastal missile batteries, 950 pieces of military and special equipment, and more than 15,000 personnel. During the drills, the naval forces conducted approximately 550 combat exercises, with weapons being employed in over 450 of these training scenarios.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, comrades.

Congratulations on Navy Day, a special day we are marking this year in a working spirit, with rigorous combat readiness exercises involving naval forces.

The July Storm drills, which began on July 23, are being conducted simultaneously in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, as well as the Caspian and Baltic seas, involving over 150 warships and supply ships, 120 aircraft, other military equipment, and over 15,000 personnel.

The Navy’s exercise is primarily designed to thoroughly train naval forces in repelling maritime attacks and performing the full range of extremely challenging and unconventional operational and tactical missions, and other tasks in a realistic simulated environment. The training incorporates experience gained during the special military operation.

The exercise hones the practical skills of active-duty personnel at all levels in fleet command and control, testing the coordination of warships, combat crews, naval aviation, and coastal missile systems in near-combat conditions. Our paramount mission remains to ensure Russia’s security and steadfastly defend the sovereignty and national interests of the Motherland.

The Navy plays a pivotal role in this mission. We remain committed to enhancing combat readiness across all components – surface ships, submarine crews, coastal units, and naval aviation – while equipping them with cutting-edge weapons and technology.

Furthermore, five marine brigades will be upgraded to divisional strength in the near future – including two as early as this year – significantly boosting the Navy’s strike power and combat effectiveness.

Please report on the progress and outcomes of the exercises. Let’s start working.

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Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

During the combat exercise for the fleets and the Caspian Flotilla, the Russian Naval Forces have confirmed their combat readiness.

Thank you to the commanders, crews and military units involved in the exercise. I am confident that the Russian Navy will continue to perform assigned missions with full diligence, ensuring the inviolability of our countries’ maritime borders.

Once again, congratulations to the personnel on this holiday. I know that for you, the interests of the state and service to the Fatherland take precedence above all else. I wish you and your families strong health and happiness.

I would like to welcome Defence Minister of the Republic of Belarus Viktor Khrenin who, upon permission of the President of Belarus and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Belarusian Armed Forces [Alexander Lukashenko], is present here today.

Happy Russian Navy Day!

I wish you all the best. Thank you for your service.