Egyptian Warships Arrive in Black Sea Ahead of Joint Drills with Russia (Video)

On Monday, the Egyptian armed forces announced that three warships arrived in the Black Sea to take part in drills, dubbed "Friendship Bridge III" with Russian Naval Forces.

This is the first time the Bridge of Friendship joint naval exercise is taking place in the Black Sea as it used to be held in the Mediterranean. The 2020 drills will continue until the end of the year.

Egypt is contributing with Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate dubbed “Alexandria,” Gowind-class corvette called “Fateh,” and Ambassador MK III fast missile boat named “Mahmoud Fahmy.”

https://youtu.be/bl9Z9dqDEcc

The vessels of both Egypt and Russia will be accompanied by aircraft and will “work out joint tasks to protect sea routes from various threats,” the Russian Defense Ministry said, as reported by Asia Times.

The exercise will include rocket and artillery fire from participating ships, and simulated inspections of suspicious vessels.

Several naval units, frigates, rocket launchers, auxiliary supply ships and pisions of the special navy forces from both sides participated.

The drill showcases the efficiency and skill of participating forces in planning, managing and controlling the naval units along with tackling various threats.

Navy top brass from both sides were present at the drill’s final stage.

Egypt and Russia have been stepping up military cooperation in recent years.

In 2015, Russia and Egypt held “Friendship Bridge 2015” for the first time, off the coast of Alexandria, including supply and communication exercises, search operations, and defense and live-firing exercises.

In November, Egyptian and Russian Air Defense Forces on Sunday concluded training activities for the joint exercise “Arrow of Friendship – 1”, after about two weeks of training.

Egyptian and Russian elements from different air defense units, and those that operate several systems participated in the training activities. Troops from both countries conducted numerous joint tactical training activities after raising the combat readiness level.