Russia launches major sea-air maneuver in Mediterranean

Taking part in Russia’s 8-day sea-air exercise that was launched in the eastern Mediterranean on Saturday are 26 warships and 30 aircraft. Commanded by Russian Navy chief Adm. Vladimir Korolov, the drills range over a section of water between the Syrian coast and Cyprus. The cruise missile carrier, the Marshal Ustinov cruiser, is the flag ship. The air force contingent taking part in the exercise includes Tu-160 strategic bombers, Tu-142 and Il-38 anti-submarine warfare planes and Su-33 and Su-30SM fighter-bombers.