Russian and US navies to hold joint exercise

(Rusnavy): According to an unidentified source in Russian Navy Main HQ, in 2011 Russian warships will take part in joint naval maneuvers along with US Navy and NATO members.

As for the source, Russian warships are planned to attend annual quadruple naval exercise FRUKUS-2011 led by the U.S. Besides, Russian ships and particularly Black Sea Fleet submarine Alrosa will participate Spanish-led NATO submarine rescue exercise Bold Monarch.

The source pointed out that significance of practical contacts between Russian Navy and foreign navies was growing as global security promotion factor. During visits to foreign ports, Russian warships will conduct bilateral naval exercises with different navies within the framework of intergovernmental agreement on prevention of incidents at sea; also, they are going to hold joint drills on communication and maneuvering. In 2011 Russian warships will carry out about 50 official visits and formal calls at ports of the U.S., Europe, Mediterranean, and Asian-Pacific countries.

A source in Black Sea Fleet HQ confirmed the information that diesel electric submarine Alrosa was being prepared for joint naval exercise.