NATO is launching exercises in the international waters of the Balkans, with warships and troops of several member countries also “visiting” Bulgaria until September 22. It comes as a new submarine enters service in the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
READ MORE: ‘Promoting peace and stability’: NATO warships enter Black Sea
Starting Friday, naval exercises will take place in the southeast
of Constanta, off the territorial waters of Romania. Standing
NATO Maritime Group 2 – which includes the US, the UK, Germany,
Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey, as well as the
naval forces of Bulgaria, Romania, and Canada - is taking part in
the drills.
The drills include PASSEX type exercises. These will feature
communication drills, joint tactical maneuvers, and data exchange
on viewing surface and underwater situations. The naval forces
will also be tasked with defeating attacks of simulated air and
surface enemies.
Two ships of the Romanian Naval Forces, a Spanish frigate (ESPS
Almirante Juan de Borbon, military classification F-102), a
Canadian frigate (HMCS Toronto), and a Drazki frigate of the
Bulgarian Naval Forces will be involved in the drills.
The warships of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 will pay an
unofficial “visit,” or port call, to Varna, Bulgaria, where they
will be staying between September 19-22, Itar-Tass reports.
Romania earlier called on the United States and NATO to boost
their presence in the Balkan country.
As a former communist state, Romania has been among the
staunchest advocates of Western sanctions against Russia after
the accession of Crimea.
Since the standoff between Russia and the West began over
Ukraine, Romania - together with Bulgaria - has taken part in
navy drills in the Black Sea and hosted military exercises with
US troops.
Meanwhile, Russia’s first Varshavyanka-class submarine has
entered service with the Black Sea Fleet. The vessel will head to
the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk after completing final trials
with the Northern Fleet.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has ordered a total of six submarines
to be completed by 2016. These are primarily intended for
anti-ship and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow
waters. They will be run by 52 crew, have an underwater speed of
20 knots, and a cruising range of 400 miles with the ability to
patrol for 45 days.