13:46 13.07.2026
National Guard combat divers conduct training on Lake Baikal ahead of the Eastern Economic Forum
© Russian National Guard Eastern District
A professional diving competition for combat divers from the Eastern District of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardia) took place in Severobaikalsk on the shores of Lake Baikal.
During the competition, participants completed underwater obstacle courses and used underwater assault rifles to engage both surface and underwater targets.
According to Captain First Rank Denis Uskov, Chief of the Naval Service of Rosgvardia’s Eastern District, the competition formed part of preparations for the 11th Eastern Economic Forum.
“Every year, the guard’s naval personnel help ensure security during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. They inspect the waters for suspicious objects and maintain security in navigation-restricted areas. The competition serves not only as valuable training for active combat divers but also as an opportunity to exchange experience across the Far Eastern Federal District, where operational conditions vary significantly,” he said in an interview with Arctic.ru.
The guard members also completed a series of tasks using the Obzor-150 remotely operated underwater vehicle. According to Denis Uskov, employing modern technology enables personnel to carry out missions more effectively, even under the most demanding conditions.
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Russian National Guard combat diverscompete in Severobaikalsk
© Russian National Guard Eastern District
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Russian National Guard combat diverscompete in Severobaikalsk
© Russian National Guard Eastern District
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Russian National Guard combat diverscompete in Severobaikalsk
© Russian National Guard Eastern District
“These systems are deployed when a diver is unable, for whatever reason, to perform a task directly or when conditions pose an unacceptable risk to life. This may be due to difficult access, poor visibility, low water temperatures, confined spaces, or other hazardous factors. In addition, the operator can conduct underwater reconnaissance for the diving team while remaining on shore,” the captain explained.
The competition was won by the team from the Primorye Territory Directorate of the Russian National Guard. Second place went to a combined team from the Amursky, Geyser, and Typhoon OMON special police units, while third place was awarded to service members from the Severobaikalsk Naval Training Squad.
