Russia planning major naval drills

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MOSCOW, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Late January military maneuvers are planned for the Russian navy in the Black and Mediterranean seas, the Russian Defense Ministry stated Wednesday.

Russian military exercises are meant to help improve multittiered force interactions in maritime zones, the country's Defense Ministry stated. The drills involve assets from the Northern, Baltic, Black Sea and Pacific Fleets.

"The Russian navy's drills of this scope will be held for the first time over the past few decades and are designed to improve control, ensure and practice multiservice force interaction of the fleets in the far-off maritime zones," a ministry statement published by state-run news agency RIA Novosti reads.

Naval forces will simulate amphibious landings for rough coastal areas like the North Caucasus during training maneuvers in the Black and Mediterranean seas.

Independent news agency RT reports the late January drills are the largest naval operations in decades.

Early this week, the Kremlin announced the launch of its third Borei class submarine. The Vladimir Monomakh is armed with intercontinental ballistic missiles and will join other deterrent forces once sea trials are completed.