Russia: More Than 30 Ships Of The Black Sea Fleet Moved Out For Exercises
BLACK SEA - More than 30 ships from the Russian Black Sea Fleet moved out for exercises From from Novorossiysk and Sevastopol with subdivisions of the coastal troops of the fleet 'also entering combat training grounds' according to Russian state news Zvezda by Russia's Ministry of Defense (article based on translation).
Zvezda reports that ships from the Black Sea Fleet have been sent from Sevastopol and Novorossiysk for the beginning stage of the exercises under the command of Commander-in-Chief of the Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Igor Osipov.
“As part of the exercise, warships, boats and fleet support vessels as part of ship groups left the permanent bases of Sevastopol and Novorossiysk and made the transition to the designated areas” the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Units of the coastal troops of the Black Sea Fleet have also moved to the training grounds according to the Ministry, with the purposes of the exercises 'to defend the sea coast of the Crimean peninsula, the bases of the Black Sea Fleet forces, as well as objects of the country's economic sector, maritime communications and areas of maritime economic activity from possible military threats of a mock enemy'.
Ship formations and sub-units of coastal troops , fleet aviation will be carrying out a 'complex of missile and artillery firing, launch missile and bomb strikes against sea, coastal and air targets'.
Zvezda says that over 30 warships of 'various classes from the Black Sea and other fleets' will be involved in the exercises. Vessels will include frigates, patrol ships, small vessels, landing ships, small anti-submarine ships and mine defense ships.
The Russian state news site says that a series of naval exercises are being held in 'all areas of responsibility' of the fleets in from January through February aimed at working out the actions of the forces of the Navy and the Aerospace Forces to 'protect Russian national interests in the ocean, as well as countering military threats from the sea and ocean directions.
Zvezda stated that the exercises cover the waters of the seas 'adjacent to Russian territory', as well as operationally important areas of the World Ocean. Separate exercises are set to be held in the Mediterranean, North, Okhotsk Seas, in the northeastern part of the Atlantic Ocean and in the Pacific Ocean.
Zvezda reports that there will be over 140 warships and support vessels, over 60 aircraft and 1,000 units of military equipment along with around 10,000 servicemen involved in the exercises.