NATO ships enter Black Sea for trainingMarch 5, 2015 - 11:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO ships assigned to Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) arrived in the Black Sea on Wednesday, March 4 to train with ships from the Bulgarian, Romanian and Turkish Navies, the alliance said on its website. The training will include simulated anti-air and anti-submarine warfare exercises, as well as simulated small boat attacks and basic ship handling maneuvers. “The training and exercises we will conduct with our Allies in the Black Sea prepares us to undertake any mission NATO might require to meet its obligations for collective defense,” said U.S. Rear Adm. Brad Williamson, who currently commands SNMG2. The group is currently made up of the flagship USS Vicksburg (from the United States), HMCS Fredericton (from Canada), TCG Turgutreis (from Turkey), FGS Spessart (from Germany), ITS Aliseo (from Italy), and ROS Regina Maria (from Romania). This potent NATO maritime force possesses substantial sea-control, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities. NATO said the deployment of SNMG2 into the Black Sea is conducted in full compliance with international conventions as a scheduled visit in support of training as well as the assurance of Black Sea Allies. The group will return to the Mediterranean later this month to resume patrols contributing to maritime situational awareness in the region. Photo: NATO Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. |