Russia to send permanent navy fleet to Mediterranean

Moscow, Mar.17 (Xinhua-ANI):The Russian Navy would station a permanent task force in the Mediterranean Sea, Admiral Viktor Chirkov said here Sunday.

“Up to five or six warships must be present in the Mediterranean Sea on a permanent basis,” Chirkov said in an interview with a TV station run by the Defense Ministry, adding the squadron would be made up of frigates, cruisers and support vessels.

The task force would be under the command of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, he said.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier Monday the navy possessed the capabilities to form a workable squadron in the region.

However, he did not give a timetable for the deployment, which would need to ensure logistics and maintenance of warships in the Mediterranean. (ANI)