The Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy recently conducted a series of exercises with the Bal coastal defense systems. The activities took place in a simulated context, in which local units had to respond to hostile ships navigating the waters of the Barents Sea at a significant distance from the coast.
According to information released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, “…The deployment of the coastal defense systems (Bal) involved the use of missiles against maritime targets simulating enemy ships located more than 200 kilometers from the coast, in the Barents Sea…”
The unit responsible for conducting the training was the Missile Division of the Northern Fleet’s Separate Missile Brigade. The deployment of the Bal coastal missile defense systems included drills involving combat formations and preparation of the vehicles once they reached their designated launch positions. After securing the operational points, Russian personnel deployed the Bal system and proceeded with an action plan to detect maritime targets, simulating missile launches against ships more than 200 kilometers offshore.
“…The training aims to improve the practical skills of the division’s personnel in carrying out their assigned tasks…”, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated in its press release.
The Bal coastal defense system was designed to be part of Russia’s land-based defensive network against the threat of enemy ships, providing protection for naval bases, coastal facilities, and critical infrastructure. “…A key feature of the Bal system is its high mobility, as well as its ability to rapidly change positions and quickly launch its missiles…”
Although the Bal coastal defense system was originally designed to destroy targets at distances of up to 120 km at any time of day and in the most adverse weather conditions, the integration of new technologies—such as the latest versions of the Kh-35 missile—has reportedly extended its range to as much as 300 kilometers.
A Bal battery can operate with one or more centralized command and control systems, while also being able to use the onboard control systems of the launch vehicles themselves. This allows for decentralized operations and provides critical flexibility in the face of enemy threats. Another notable feature is the system’s all-terrain capability, as it is mounted on MZKT-7930 8×8 launcher vehicles, enabling operations in harsh conditions such as snow or mud.
Cover image: Russian Ministry of Defense.
