Russia to hold large-scale navy drills

MOSCOW, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Russian officials said the navy will hold large-scale drills in the Mediterranean and Black seas in late January.

The Russian Defense Ministry's press office said warships from the Northern, Baltic, Black seas and Pacific fleets will take part.

"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," the press office said.

RIA Novosti said the drills will be held in line with the Russian armed forces' 2013 combat training plan.

RIA Novosti also said the drills will simulate operations to load marine troops and paratroopers onto the ships.