06.12.2007
Russia has reportedly dispatched an 11-ship aircraft carrier group to the Mediterranean Sea, in a resumption of Russian naval patrols of the world’s waters.
The move is in line with recent moves by Russia to expand its military presence and flex it’s growing economic strength.
?n aircraft carrier, two anti-submarine ships, a guided missile cruiser along with refueling ships from Russia's Northern and Black Sea fleets and 47 aircraft will be part of the group in the Mediterranean. It is the first great Navy voyage to Mediterranean since 1996.
President Vladimir Putin has told earlier that Russia would increase the combat-readiness of its strategic nuclear forces to ensure a "swift and adequate response to any aggressor."
Putin also said that Russia's will be pulling out of a key arms control treaty, which he calls a necessary response to NATO "muscle-flexing" near its frontiers.
"In violation of previous agreements, military resources of NATO members are being built up next to our borders. Of course, we cannot allow ourselves to remain indifferent to this obvious muscle-flexing," Putin said in televised remarks at a meeting of top military officials.
