MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. An exercise of the Russian naval task force, including the Moskva guided missile cruiser, will take place in the eastern Mediterranean in the near future, the Defense Ministry press office told journalists on Thursday.
The press office said that the pace of combat training of the Russian Armed Forces "increases traditionally" in September and October.
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"Under the combat training plan approved in late 2014, an exercise was planned for the period in the eastern part of the Mediterranean. The Russian Navy force comprising the Moskva Guards guided missile cruiser, Smetlivy patrol ship, Saratov large amphibious assault ship and support vessels will conduct the exercise," the Defense Ministry said.
According to the press office, the task force will conducts over 40 tactical drills as part of the overall exercise, including missile and artillery fires on surface and aerial targets. In addition, the ships will practice air, antisubmarine and antiship defense, combat search and rescue operations, communications procedures and rescuing a ship in distress.
"The exercise area earmarked by the Russian Navy has been announced off-limits to commercial shipping and air traffic under international maritime law," the press office emphasized.
The Russian Navy’s first exercise in the Mediterranean took place in January 2013 following a years-long interval.