Russian Navy’s Interfleet Task Force Conducts Exercise in Mediterranean

Russian Navy’s interfleet task force consisting of Northern Fleet (NF) aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, NF large ASW ship Admiral Chabanenko, and Baltic Fleet (BF) frigate Yaroslav Mudry held another exercise in central part of the Mediterranean Sea. Russian mariners carried out antiaircraft drills with practical firing of SAM systems and gun mounts of three warships.

Pilots of Admiral Kuznetsov‘s air wing continued their practice as well. Yesterday they performed 10 flights of Su-33 heavy fighters and practiced mock air combat and interception.

Helicopter pilots also improve their flight skills. In the recent two days they carried out 24 flights of Ka-27 ASW deck-based helicopters.

Deployment of the carrier group started on Dec 6, 2011 with departure of aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, large ASW ship Admiral Chabanenko, and supply vessels from NF main naval base Severomorsk. Throughout the cruise, the carrier group has covered over 8,300 nautical miles.

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Naval Today Staff , January 26, 2012; Image: vk