Warships begin missile drills in Barents Sea
Several of the Russian Navy’s most powerful warships are reported to have departed from the naval base in Severomorsk towards a sealed-off exercise area north of the Kola Bay.
Among the vessels involved in the exercise are the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov, the destroyer Admiral Levchenko, and the frigates Admiral Golovko, Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Kasatonov, according to naval observer Spectre Crouton on Bluesky.
The first two ships departed port on 12 and 15 April respectively, while the three frigates sailed on 20 April, the Spectre Crouton reports.
The five vessels are among the most modern and capable surface ships in the Northern Fleet.
The Russian Navy has not issued any official statement about the exercise. However, seafarers and air traffic have been notified of the closure of a large area north of Kola Bay between April 21-23 .
Judging by the notice to mariners, the exercise includes missile firings.
The Russian Navy regularly closes off areas in the Barents Sea in connection with exercises. On a number of occasions, such restricted zones have extended into Norway’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Two previous missile warnings were issued for the periods 24–26 February and 11–13 March. It remains unclear, however, whether the exercises were ultimately carried out.
