China, Russia conduct simulation exercise for joint naval drills

Chinese and Russian commanders conducted a simulation exercise in Kaliningrad province for the ongoing joint military drills code-named "Joint Sea 2017" in the Baltic Sea.

In the hours-long exercise on Sunday, two tactical assault groups, consisting of mixed warships from the Chinese and Russian fleets, simulated details of the drills on a map including ship-to-sea firing by secondary cannons, air defense, joint landing and inspection, maritime search and rescue, underway replenishment and other subjects.

"The simulation exercise was conducted for two purposes, namely, making commanders at all levels more familiar with the procedures and subjects of the drills, as well as enhancing coordination and tacit understanding between commanders of the two countries," Xinhua news agency quoted Wang Xiaoyong, deputy captain of a destroyer detachment of the Chinese Navy, as saying.

During the drills, the participating air forces and sea forces will be deployed through unified guidance by a joint directing center, a joint headquarter and a tactical command post, which are formed by commanders from both countries.

The Joint Sea 2017 drills, which kicked off on Saturday and will last until July 28, aims to carry out joint rescue missions and ensure maritime economic activities.

The Chinese fleet consists of one destroyer, one frigate, one supply ship, ship-borne helicopters and marines. The Russian side includes one frigate, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and marines.

Chinese and Russian navies will conduct a variety of joint exercises and attend the parade in St. Petersburg on the occasion of Russia's Navy Day.

--IANS

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