The Russian-Egyptian naval maneuvers "Friendship Bridge - 2021" will start in the area of the Gulf of Alexandria.
From Russia, a detachment of ships of the Black Sea Fleet will take part in the training: the frigate Admiral Grigorovich with a deck helicopter on board, the patrol ship Dmitry Rogachev and the rescue tug SB-742.
Experts note that the intensive cooperation between Moscow and Cairo in the defense sphere indicates their desire to protect shipping in the Mediterranean Sea from the actions of pirates and extremists. In addition, analysts predict that the interaction of the Russian Federation and Egypt through military-technical cooperation will only deepen.
"During the event held in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea in the area of the Gulf of Alexandria, Russian and Egyptian warships will operate under the guidance of the joint headquarters of the exercise according to a single plan and will perform training tasks to repel attacks, inspect suspicious vessels, organize air defense and resupply at sea from a helicopter," the Russian defense ministry said in a statement.
It is also noted that the purpose of the exercise, which will last until December 10— is to prepare and plan joint actions aimed at protecting "limited maritime areas from various threats," to carry out search and rescue operations and inspection of suspicious vessels.
