MOSCOW, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Northern Fleet said Wednesday it has begun large-scale military exercises in the Barents Sea.
A total of 15 surface ships, submarines and support vessels, as well as airplanes and helicopters are involved in the exercises, Tass news agency reported, citing a statement by the fleet's press service.
The exercises consist of counter-strikes against simulated enemies, protecting the water area deployed by combat forces, searching and destroying submarines by a fleet and an anti-submarine aircraft, countering air attacks and rescuing people in distress at sea, according to Tass.
In April, the Northern Fleet held a two-week military exercise in the Barents Sea.