Military training exercises involving gunfire in Novorossiysk
News Article: Russian Naval and Coastal Defense Exercises Focus on Countering Drone and Unmanned Threats
Exercises aimed at repelling attacks by unmanned boats and drones are taking place in the sea area of the port of Novorossiysk, according to the press service of the city-hero administration. This is not the first time such exercises have been conducted in the region, as Russia has been increasing its focus on countering drones and unmanned surface vessels in key strategic ports and bases.
The exercises in Novorossiysk involve the use of UAVs, unmanned boats, artillery installations, and underwater work and diving operations have been prohibited during the exercises. The practical actions will be carried out using artillery installations on the piers of the Military Harbor. All small vessels and watercraft are also prohibited from navigating during the exercises.
The exercises are reminiscent of the August 4 exercise in Novorossiysk port on repelling drone and boat attacks using artillery. Similar exercises and defensive measures have been observed in other parts of the country, such as the Kronstadt Naval Base in the Baltic Sea, where the Russian Navy repelled a Ukrainian drone attack. The Baltic Sea is no longer considered a rear area, prompting increased air defense and anti-drone measures, including the deployment of modern surface ships and coastal systems.
In June-July 2025, the Landing ship "Alexander Shabalin" operated in Skagerrak, where it used multiple searchlights presumably as part of an active drone defense system during exercises simulating combat against mines and unmanned systems. The Caspian Sea also saw air defense exercises, with several Russian vessels conducting drills employing Pantsir-S1 missiles, anti-aircraft guns, and the new Palash close air defense system to intercept potential drone or missile attacks.
These exercises reveal a trend among Russian naval and coastal forces to enhance multi-layered defense networks incorporating artillery, missile systems, electronic warfare, and active counter-drone technologies to repel attacks by unmanned boats and drones in sensitive ports and naval bases across multiple maritime theaters. This mirrors the specifics of the August 4 Novorossiysk exercise and reflects increased operational focus on asymmetric naval threats posed by drones and unmanned vessels.
Exercises involving practical firing will take place in the sea area of the port of Novorossiysk today, from 10:00 to 13:00. The city-hero administration of Novorossiysk is conducting the exercises. The public is advised to stay away from the area during the exercises.
- In the context of ongoing war-and-conflicts and geopolitical tensions, these naval and coastal defense exercises in Novorossiysk demonstrate a focus on politics that extends beyond Russia's borders, as the country continues to strengthen its defenses against drone and unmanned threats.
- These exercises in Novorossiysk, alongside similar defensive measures in strategic locations such as Kronstadt and the Caspian Sea, underline the importance of general-news topics like military modernization and counter-drone technologies in shaping global security scenarios.
