Russia is conducting exercises in the Mediterranean Sea involving five ships, two submarines, as well as two carriers of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and MiG-31K fighters, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Friday.
The joint maneuvers of the forces of the Russian Navy's permanent operational compound in the Mediterranean Sea and Air Force aviation began on June 25 in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
"According to the plan of the exercise, five ships of the Russian Navy - including the missile cruiser Moscow, frigates Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov, as well as two submersibles IL-38, long-range bombers Tu-22M3 and MiG-31K aircraft will perform combat training missions to ensure the safety of the Khmeimim air base and the logistical support point of the Russian Navy in Tartus," told the office.
MiG-31K aircraft complexes capable of carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles have been transported to Syria for the first time. This has become possible due to the extension of the runway at the Khmeimim air base, it can now accept all types of aircraft of the Russian Air Force.
According to the Defense Ministry, "in the course of training flights there will be tested aviation equipment in difficult climatic conditions, including those caused by the influence of high temperatures and the possibility of long flights over the water surface". In addition, the crews of aircraft will gain practical skills for practicing training tasks in new geographical areas, the military department added.
Earlier it was announced that hypersonic missile Kinzhal is able to develop a speed of 10 sound velocity, has a range of up to 2 thousand kilometers and guaranteed to overcome all existing systems of air and missile defense.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from RIA Novosti