MOSCOW. Dec 19 (Interfax) - All Russian fleets are combat-ready, Russian Navy Commander Nikolai Yevmenov told reporters on Tuesday.
"All fleets are combat-ready. These are not just words. The combat readiness of the fleets has been tested through checks, exercises and, above all, the actual use of weapons," Yevmenov said in response to a corresponding question.
As for the provision of new hardware to the fleets, he said that the Navy would commission another icebreaker, multifunctional ships, and supply vessels at the beginning of next year.
The Russian Navy was busy this year, Yevmenov said.
"We held a series of largescale exercises. The exercise in the Arctic deserves a special mention. We also had the Oceanic Shield exercise involving several fleets. As for the commissioning of new hardware, two nuclear submarines, including one strategic and the other armed with long-range cruise missiles, have been commissioned under the supervision of the supreme commander-in-chief," he said.
"Besides nuclear submarines, the Navy commissioned diesel submarines and such surface ships as corvettes and missile boats this year, and is preparing to commission an open ocean vessel, a missile boat, and minesweepers. The Navy has also commissioned supply ships alongside warships this year," Yevmenov said.