MOSCOW. Oct 8 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian and Italian naval warships practiced how to fend off a mock asymmetric threat as part of their maneuvers in the Ionian Sea.
The Russian Black Sea Fleet's patrol ship Ladny and the Italian Navy's guided missile frigates "held maneuvers that centered on repelling an asymmetric threat," a Russian Black Sea Fleet spokesman told Interfax-AVN on Wednesday.
"A small-size speedboat belonging to the Italian Navy simulated a mock potentially dangerous target. This episode involved the personnel of an anti-terrorist unit aboard the Ladny," he said.
The ships conducted complex tactical maneuvers, held liaison exercises, and practiced how to transfer cargoes between moving ships. The maneuvers also focused on cooperation between vessels appointed to monitor the aerial and maritime situation in certain sectors, the source said.
"An exercise involving an inspection group manned by Marines was held on board the patrol ship Ladny. They are preparing for exercises that will include mock maritime embargo operations," the spokesman said.
On October 8, the Ladny, the medium-size sea-going tanker Iman, the rescue tow-ship SB-36, and two Italain frigates will be joined by the Italian Navy's corvettes and helicopters, he said.
The maritime phase of the maneuvers is to continue until October 9, after which the Russian patrol ship will visit the Sicilian Port of Augusta, which will host detailed talks on the results of the joint exercises.