China and Russia Conclude Joint Sea-2026 Naval Exercises

The maritime phase of the China-Russia "Joint Sea-2026" exercise concluded on July 11, 2026. The drills focused on high-end naval warfare, including anti-missile defense and submarine rescue. Notably, the exercises utilized a "no-script" approach, where maneuvers were dictated by real-time battlefield conditions and meteorological factors rather than a predetermined plan. By employing mixed groupings across sea, air, and underwater platforms, the two navies aimed to enhance tactical interoperability and mutual trust while testing their capabilities in complex electromagnetic environments.

The 'Joint Sea-2026' exercise demonstrates a high level of tactical interoperability between the Chinese and Russian navies, specifically in high-end warfare areas like anti-missile defense and submarine rescue, signaling a deepening strategic military partnership.

The maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" (海上联合-2026) military exercise between China and Russia concluded on July 11, 2026, according to reports from state media. The drills, which emphasized high-end naval capabilities and tactical flexibility, represent a continued deepening of military coordination between the two nations. During the exercise, naval task forces from both countries engaged in a variety of specialized combat subjects. These included submarine rescue operations, maritime strikes, air defense, and anti-missile maneuvers. The inclusion of anti-missile defense and submarine rescue highlights a focus on sophisticated warfare areas that require high levels of technical data sharing and mutual trust between the participating forces. A defining characteristic of the 2026 drills was the absence of a fixed script. Instead of following a predetermined sequence of events, the participating forces responded dynamically to evolving battlefield conditions, hydrological factors, and meteorological changes. This "no-script" approach is intended to simulate real-world combat more accurately and test the decision-making capabilities of commanders under pressure in unpredictable environments. Furthermore, the exercise utilized a "mixed grouping" model, where Chinese and Russian assets were integrated into unified tactical units rather than operating as separate national blocks. These units leveraged an "all-domain integrated combat system" that combined surface ships, aircraft, and submarines. According to reports, this structure was designed to validate the navies' ability to conduct joint reconnaissance, early warning, command coordination, and fire strikes within complex electromagnetic environments. The conclusion of the maritime phase marks another step in the evolution of the "Joint Sea" series, which has increasingly moved toward operational realism. By testing interoperability across multiple domains, Beijing and Moscow continue to signal a shared strategic interest in maintaining a coordinated presence in contested maritime regions.