Russian President announces naval restructuring and strengthening of its armament.

Arabian Sea Newspaper - Special

((Bahralarab)) Agencies: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday the restructuring of the Russian Navy and the strengthening of its armament, at the conclusion of large-scale naval exercises. Putin said that two marine infantry brigades will be converted into divisions by the end of the year, to be followed by three more divisions later. He added: "This will significantly enhance the offensive capability of the Russian Navy and its combat efficiency." According to official information, more than 150 warships and support vessels, 120 aircraft and helicopters, and more than 15,000 soldiers participated in the exercises, which lasted 5 days and ended in conjunction with Russian Navy Day on Sunday. The exercises took place simultaneously in the Baltic Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caspian Sea, and aimed, according to the Russian government, to prepare for countering a large-scale naval attack. The Kremlin accuses the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of threatening Russia's security. The alliance also conducted naval exercises earlier this year under the name "Baltops 2025," in which, according to official figures, about 50 ships and about 9,000 soldiers participated during the month of June.