Caspian Flotilla Starts Exercise

12.12.2011 Caspian Flotilla (CF) task units on Dec 12 left basing sites in Astrakhan and Makhachkala heading for central and southern parts of the Caspian Sea.

According to plans, the CF task units will conduct anti-terror exercise in Russia's maritime economic activity zones in the Caspian Sea.

In total, up to 500 servicemen, over 20 surface ships, landing boats and supply vessels, and somewhat 20 combat vehicles are involved in the exercise.

High emphasis will be put on improvement of personnel's naval skills in severe stormy conditions.

Along with that, an advanced missile guidance system will be tested when firings at sea target by frigate Tatarstan.

During missile firings, a 2,600-sq km sea test range will be closed for navigation. To maintain security, control points and patrol routes were assigned to each CF warship and auxiliary vessel.