Russia, Norway Kicked Off Pomor-2012 Exercise

12.05.2012 Northern Fleet (NF) destroyer Admiral Chabanenko on May 11, 2012 left the fleet's main base Severomorsk to take part in the Pomor-2012 joint Russian-Norwegian naval exercise. Norwegian frigate Fridtjof Nansen which had paid a formal call to Severomorsk departed right after the Russian destroyer.

The Pomor-2012 joint exercise will take place in the Barents and the Norwegian seas in May 11-16. Russia dispatched destroyer Admiral Chabanenko, a rescue tug, Il-38 patrol aircraft, Ka-27 helicopters, and Su-33 fighters.

The exercise will comprise a number of counter-terror episodes including joint anti-piracy and boarding operations held by marines, release of civil ship from armed "extremists", convoy escorting, interception of fast-speed craft violated state border, search-and-rescue operations.

In addition, the exercise scenario includes gun firing drills against air and sea targets, antiaircraft tasks, detection and attacking of a submarine. Mutual helicopter deck landings are planned as well.

When all training tasks are completed, NF destroyer Admiral Chabanenko will pay reciprocal call at Bodø on the eve of Norwegian Constitution Day.

The Pomor-2012 exercise will demonstrate joint capability of Russian and Norwegian armed forces to counter terrorism and protect national interests in West Arctic. The exercise is held on a permanent basis since 2010. At that time Russia was represented by NF destroyer Severomorsk; Norway delegated frigate Otto Sverdrup. In 2011, the exercise was held by NF destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov and Norwegian frigate Helge Ingstad.