Russian Military Exercises: Preparation for Expeditionary Operations
Russian Military Exercises: Preparation for Expeditionary Operations

Author(s): Anna Maria Dyner
Subject(s): Governance, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Russian Federation; military exercises; expeditionary operations; combat readiness of the Russian army; Russian military presence in Syria;
Summary/Abstract: In the past two months, Russian armed forces carried out intensive exercises including Centre-2015 and Union Shield manoeuvres, which were the biggest tests of the combat readiness of the Russian army this year. Troops also took part in Slavic brotherhood and international military competitions. Exercise scenarios indicate that Russia is strengthening its rapid reaction forces, increasing the ability to intervene beyond its borders, especially in Central Asia, perceived in Moscow as a potentially very unstable region. However, by demonstrating the ability to undertake expeditionary missions, and at the same time increasing its military presence in Syria, Russia also shows to the West its willingness to return as one of the key players in the Middle East, i.e., through the construction of a new coalition against the Islamic State.

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