The Russian Navy has begun a large-scale military exercise dubbed “July Storm,” involving over 150 warships, 120 aircraft, and approximately 15,000 personnel across strategic maritime zones.

Video footage from the Barents Sea shows the nuclear-powered submarine Orel launching cruise missiles at designated surface targets as part of the training scenario. The drills are aimed at demonstrating the operational readiness of Russia’s naval and aerial forces, including its nuclear deterrent capabilities.

Russian defense officials describe the exercises as a routine test of combat coordination and long-range strike precision. The maneuvers include live-fire operations, submarine warfare tactics, and joint air-sea operations.

While Russian state media portrays the event as defensive, analysts note the scale and visibility of “July Storm” as a message of power projection amid ongoing global tensions.