Russia Eyes Stronger Naval Presence In Mediterranean

[Purveyor]

MOSCOW, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Navy plans to strengthen its Mediterranean task force and increase the number of its warships, Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Chirkov said Sunday.

Currently, the navy is forming the headquarters of the Mediterranean task force, Chirkov said during a celebration of the 230th anniversary of the Black Sea Fleet.

"We are selecting and appointing officers to posts in accordance with the headquarters structure. The headquarters will include twenty officers, mainly from the Black Sea Fleet," Chirkov told local media.

The Mediterranean task force will comprise warships from the Northern, Baltic, Black Sea Fleet and probably the Pacific Fleet, Chirkov said, adding it plans to have five to six warships and support vessels from those fleets starting from this year.

The number of warships in the task force could be increased, and nuclear submarines may also be included depending on the scope and complexity of future missions, he added.

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http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-05/12/c_132376705.htm

[dipsydoodle]

1. Maybe do a deal with Cyprus for a base there.

.

[HooptieWagon]

2. Thats understandable.

Russia wants a military presence in the M.E. and N. Africa on behalf of their puppet states...as the US does. And, Russia wants to keep unrestricted access to ocean shipping routes from Black Sea ports, which is only Atlantic access they have that is ice-free year round. So long as their Navy isn't overly aggressive, not a big problem.