Landing ship Minsk to represent Russia at BALTOPS-2011

11.04.2011 Baltic Fleet large landing ship Minsk will represent Russian Navy at the BALTOPS-2011 international naval exercise, reported REGNUM referring to Baltic Fleet press-service as a result of the exercise planning conference held in Apr 5-7, 2011 in Gdynia, Poland.

Apart from Russian naval officers, the conference was attended by representatives of thirteen NATO countries which are to participate in the exercise. The participants discussed organizational issues of the maneuvers coming in June 2011.

BALTOPS joint naval exercise is conducted since 1993 under NATO's Partnership for Peace program. During the exercise held in the Baltic Sea warships conduct artillery firings at air and sea targets, practice joint maneuvering, and carry out communication drills.

In addition, participating ships train antisubmarine activities, inspect a violator vessel, conduct joint anti-terror drills.

Apart from Russia's Baltic Fleet, warships of the US, Great Britain, Germany, France, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia will take part in the BALTOPS exercise this year.