Russia Launches Huge Naval Exercises in the Mediterranean, Black Sea

 MOSCOW– Russia has started the largest naval exercises in the past few decades in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

According to the Russian International News Agency, RIA Novosti, the drills involve task forces from Russia’s Black Sea, Northern and Baltic fleets, strategic bombers, tactical aircraft, air defense units, paratroopers and naval infantry.

An official statement by the Russian Defense Ministry, issued on Saturday, says the exercises “are held in line with the Russian Armed Forces’ 2013 combat training plan and focus on interoperability of task forces from several fleets while on a mission in a far-off maritime zone.”

The exercises will continue until January 29 and involve over 60 drills, including anti-submarine warfare missions, missile and artillery firing practices.

The training may also include simulated beach landing and convoy escort missions as the task forces have four large landing ships and a variety of auxiliary vessels in their composition.

Some of the exercises are expected to be carried out in the eastern part of the Mediterranean, and, possibly close to the territorial waters of Syria.

The Russian Navy keeps a naval re-supply and maintenance base in the Syrian port of Tartous to support its operations in the Mediterranean.

Compiled by H. Mustafa

 From the RIA Novosti