Russian, Egyptian Warships Fire at Drifting Target During Joint Drills

Russian-Egyptian naval exercises called ‘Bridge of Friendship-2015’ took place Friday in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Africa.

During the first Russian-Egyptian naval exercises called ‘Bridge of Friendship-2015’ warships of the two countries carried out joint maneuvering and target practice, the Press Service of the Russian Black Sea Fleet reported.

The drills took place Friday in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Africa, in the final stage of the marine phase of the exercises.

As noted, during the period from June 10 to 12 the ships of the Russian Navy and the Navy of Egypt carried out 15 different exercises and training.

The coastal and marine staff commanded the drills. Over ten warships and support vessels as well as Egyptian air force aircraft were involved at different stages during the exercises.

The Russian side was represented by the ships of the Black Sea and Baltic Fleets, including the ‘Moskva’ missile cruiser, the ‘Samum’ hover-borne missile corvette and the ‘Ivan Bubnov’ large sea tanker.

The exercises also included the anti-aircraft training which involved F-16 jet fighters of the Egyptian air force. For the Russian crew it was a good opportunity to practice the drills on the US made modern aircraft.

Earlier it was reported that the first joint Russian-Egyptian naval exercises "Bridge of Friendship-2015" in the Mediterranean Sea would last until June 14.