MOSCOW, December 3. /TASS/. Over 1,000 troops, 10 ships and 24 aircraft, including MiG-31I jets carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles are taking part in the joint drills of the Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces in the eastern Mediterranean, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday.
"The exercise involves over 1,000 personnel, 10 ships and support vessels, 24 aircraft, including MiG-31I fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and a Bastion coastal defense missile system crew," the ministry said in a statement.
The Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces are conducting their joint drills with the observance of international law and agreements with foreign states on the prevention of incidents at sea beyond the territorial waters and airspace above them, it said.
The drills are running on December 1-3 under the direction of Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev in accordance with the combat training plan of the Russian Armed Forces, it said.
During the drills, the Russian taskforce built up its capabilities in the eastern Mediterranean. The combined-arms strike and anti-submarine warfare forces established as a result of this buildup are conducting missile, artillery and torpedo firings and practicing bombing. Some combat exercises involve the comprehensive use of precision weapons and the latest armaments accepted for service with the Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces recently, the ministry reported.