Russia's naval drills spotlighted as NATO maintains naval supremacy

Around 420 ships (of various types) are currently in service with the Russian navy. Over 300 of them, which operate daily in the Northern, Pacific, Baltic Fleets, and the Caspian Flotilla, were set to embark on extensive exercises during which the forces intend to train with "comprehensive combat exercises." These maneuvers aim to improve the detection, identification, and attack of targets simulating small surface and air objects.

Although the current exercises of the Russian Federation are one of many that Moscow has carried out over the years, the number of ships may raise curiosity in light of how the Russian naval forces compare to the equipment at NATO’s disposal.

According to data collected by the statista.com portal, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has a significantly larger naval fleet in terms of numbers. The United States alone has over 470 ships at its disposal. In second place is Sweden, with over 350 ships, followed by Italy, with a navy based on over 300 vessels. The total number of NATO forces amounts to over 2,850 military ships, nearly seven times more than the Russian Federation. Let's look at a few noteworthy units that NATO has at its disposal.

The unit that demands the most attention within NATO is owned by the USA. We are referring to the most advanced design of its kind in the world, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier, which is also the largest such equipment globally.

CVN 78 is 333 metres long, 41 metres wide, and nearly 80 metres high. It accelerates to a speed of about 55 kilometres per hour and can accommodate 4,600 people. Developing this giant could have cost up to $17 billion—all to create a modern unit capable of carrying F-35 and F/A-18 fighters, as well as early warning and electronic warfare aircraft.

The CVN 78 aircraft carrier is also equipped with modern electromagnetic catapults. This technology can operate continuously, handling aircraft launches around the clock. Compared to previously used steam catapults, the new technology reduces weight and space on the ship.

Noteworthy units in NATO service also include HMS Daring (D32), a destroyer operating under the British flag, as well as the French submarine Le Triomphant (S616). The first of these, the British D32, is a relatively new unit that entered service in 2009.

The main task assigned to HMS Daring is to protect aircraft carriers and amphibious forces from air threats—weapons that are among the most common on the modern battlefield. This protection is provided by the Sea Viper system, which uses SAMPSON and S1850M radars combined with Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles (weighing 310 and 510 kilograms, respectively). Additionally, the stealth properties of HMS Daring make it significantly harder to detect while in motion.

Le Triomphant (S616) is another asset through which the French incorporate nuclear weapons (carried by M51.3 ballistic missiles on the S616) into NATO's arsenal. Le Triomphant is a submarine that, when submerged, has a displacement of over 14,300 metric tonnes and reaches nearly 140 metres in length. The power for this unit comes from a K15 nuclear reactor with a pressurized water system with power output of 149,000 kilowatts (kW).

This crucial element of NATO’s nuclear deterrent can carry 16 M45 or M51 missiles with 6-10 TN75 thermonuclear warheads each. Its arsenal also includes 533-millimetre torpedo tubes used for attacking underwater targets.

Regarding nuclear submarines, we should also mention the United Kingdom, which, being an island nation, has significant opportunities to deploy a strong navy around its borders. This navy primarily relies on Vanguard-class nuclear submarines, which have been in service since the late 1990s. The British have four of these machines, each carrying up to 16 UGM-133 Trident II ballistic missiles. According to their military rules, at least one Vanguard submarine must always be stationed in British waters.

The number of ships in NATO's service constantly changes because allied nations continuously improve their fleets. The same can be said for the Russian Federation, which, however, is systematically being weakened due to the war in Ukraine.