MOSCOW, November 21. /TASS/. Russian ships carried out over 50 sea trips to deter NATO naval forces in the World Ocean in 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said.

"Russian ships carried out military missions to deter NATO naval forces in the World Ocean. In 2023, over 50 sea trips were carried out, with total route length of over 200,000 naval miles. Use of diverse Pacific Fleet forces to defend the Northern Sea Route was practiced during the ‘Fin Whale 2023’ exercise," Shoigu said during the Defense Ministry board meeting.

According to the Defense Minister, the Russian Navy also continued the practice of joint patrols of important World Ocean areas with foreign ships.

"A joint patrol with the Iranian Navy took place in April, and with Chinese Navy - between July and August. [The navy] practiced maneuvering, control and interaction elements," Shoigu underscored.

In addition, the Defense Minister announced the completion of the "Ocean Shield 2023" strategic deterrence event complex in Baltic and North seas.

"Missions on detection and tracking of mock enemy ships were practiced; practical missile and artillery fire was performed," Shoigu noted.