The UK, US and a number of NATO countries are planning large-scale military exercises 400 kilometers from Russia’s borders, writes The Barents Observer.
According to the publication, two aircraft carrier strike groups will be involved in the Cold Response 2022 exercises: one of them will be led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales of the British Navy, and the second by the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman of the US Navy. In addition, about 35,000 NATO troops and military aircraft will take part in the maneuvers.
“While Russia is deploying the new 3M22 Zirkon anti-ship hypersonic missile in the Barents Sea, NATO has decided to send two of its most powerful naval assets to the Cold Response 2022 exercises: the aircraft carriers HMS Prince of Wales and the Navy aircraft carrier USA “Harry S. Truman”. The Cold Response 2022 exercise, aimed at rehearsing the defense of northern Norway, will be the largest NATO exercise above the Arctic Circle since the 1980s. About 35,000 soldiers from 28 countries will take part in them”, the Avia.Pro portal quotes the publication.
Experts note that the Russian side can conduct its own exercises, using hypersonic weapons to destroy surface targets. In their opinion, this will make it possible to demonstrate to the North Atlantic Alliance the capabilities of the Zircon missile.