Russian ships taking part in Baltops-2003 international exercises

A detachment of Russia's Baltic Fleet consisting of the Nastoychivy destroyer and the Kaliningrad landing craft started Tuesday to carry out its missions in the framework of the Baltops-2003 international exercises in the Baltic Sea.

According to Igor Dygalo, aide to the Russian Navy commander, the Nastoichivy destroyer will operate in a tactical group together with the German Lubeck frigate and the USS Vella Gulf cruiser and fire at sea and air targets. The Kaliningrad landing craft will carry out a landing operation together with a similar Polish ship.

The exercises' active phase will continue till June 19, and after that its results will be reviewed in the German port of Kiel.

Around 50 warships from 12 countries are taking part in the Baltops-2003 exercises.