China, Russia launch annual ‘Joint Sea-2026’ naval exercise, plan joint Pacific patrol

New Delhi: China and Russia are set to begin the large-scale ‘Joint Sea-2026’ exercise this month, bringing together frontline warships, submarines, naval aviation assets and marine units in waters off Qingdao, Shandong Province. The drills will be followed by a coordinated patrol in the Pacific Ocean.

China’s defence ministry, in a statement, said, “This arrangement is aimed at jointly responding to security challenges and safeguarding regional peace and stability.” This year’s edition is themed “joint response to maritime security threats.”

The exercise comes about six weeks after Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Beijing in May. Beijing and Moscow have held their ‘Joint Sea’ exercises annually since 2012. Last year’s edition, held near the eastern Russian port of Vladivostok, was also followed by joint patrols in the Pacific.

The exercise has already entered its preparation phase, with Russian naval vessels arriving in Qingdao and receiving a formal port welcome from the Chinese navy.

Commanders from both sides have held initial talks as personnel begin planning ahead of the sea phase. China’s defence ministry said the exercise, part of the annual military cooperation programme between Beijing and Moscow, will be held in the waters and airspace near Qingdao. The two navies will also carry out joint patrols in “relevant areas” of the Pacific once the drills conclude – activities the ministry described as a response to shared maritime security challenges and a contribution to regional peace and stability.

‘Joint Sea-2026’ unfolds in stages such as force assembly, harbour-based planning and coordination, and finally operational training at sea. During the port phase, officers will conduct joint mission planning, attend professional seminars, and exchange operational experience, while sailors take part in ship visits, sports events, and other exchanges meant to build interoperability.

The sea phase will test coordination across multiple warfare domains, with joint reconnaissance missions, integrated air and missile defence drills, and maritime strike operations conducted as a combined formation. Shipborne helicopters and marine units from both countries will also take part. Russia has assigned the guided-missile cruiser Varyag, the frigate Rezkiy, the submarine Ufa, and the rescue vessel Igor Belousov to the exercise, according to Chinese state media. China’s contingent includes the guided-missile destroyers Kaifeng and Anshan, the guided-missile frigate Wuhu, the supply ship Kekexilihu, the submarine rescue ship Yangchenghu, one submarine, and embarked helicopters and marines.