Russia to send permanent navy fleet to Mediterranean

Moscow: The Russian Navy would station a permanent task force in the Mediterranean Sea, Admiral Viktor Chirkov said here Sunday.

"Up to five or six warships must be present in the Mediterranean Sea on a permanent basis," Chirkov said in an interview with a TV station run by the Defense Ministry, adding the squadron would be made up of frigates, cruisers and support vessels.

The task force would be under the command of Russia``s Black Sea Fleet, he said.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier Monday the navy possessed the capabilities to form a workable squadron in the region.

However, he did not give a timetable for the deployment, which would need to ensure logistics and maintenance of warships in the Mediterranean.

ANI