Russia’s Pacific Fleet is stepping up training to defend Russia’s Far Eastern borders as the security environment in the Asia-Pacific grows more complex and NATO’s military and political resources become increasingly involved in regional processes.

Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Viktor Liina outlined the situation to Russian President Vladimir Putin while reporting on the progress of the fleet’s exercises.

Maritime traffic across the Asia-Pacific has also come under closer scrutiny. Acting on the president’s instructions, the fleet carried out a detailed analysis of shipping in the region. Liina said the military has information on vessel routes, the nature of the cargo being transported and the ownership of ships.

Against this backdrop, the Pacific Fleet launched exercises focused on protecting Russia’s Far Eastern frontiers. The drills began on August 4 and became the fleet’s main operational and combat training event of 2026. Liina is personally directing the maneuvers.

Around 60 surface ships, submarines and support vessels are taking part. The exercises also involve roughly 30 aircraft and helicopters, unmanned systems operated by Pacific Fleet naval aviation and more than 13,000 service members.

Putin said exercises of this scale serve several purposes at once: maintaining the fleet’s combat readiness, protecting Russia’s interests and security in the Asia-Pacific, and further developing the country’s military capabilities in the region.