5 Aug 2019 09:00

Russian Navy's ships training anti-sub, air defense in Baltic Sea

MOSCOW. Aug 5 (Interfax) - The Russian Navy's ships have been deployed to designated areas of the Baltic Sea to train anti-sub, air, and anti-sabotage defense as part of the Oceanic Shield 2019 exercise, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement seen by Interfax on Monday.

"At the moment, ships of various classes interacting with aircraft and submarines are training anti-sub, air, and anti-sabotage defense within tactical task forces and naval attack groups," the ministry said.

The exercise, which is being held from August 1 till 9 under the supervision of Navy Commander Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov, "involves 49 ships and boats, 20 support vessels, 58 aircraft of the Navy and the Aerospace Forces, and 10,634 servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces," it said.

The exercise aims "to train engagement of an inter-fleet force of the Navy," the ministry said.

"It is also planned to check the Navy's readiness to defend Russia's national interests and to train control over fleet forces," it said.