Russia’s Yaroslav Mudry Warship to Join Baltic Sea Drills

The Yaroslav Mudry is a Neustrashimy-class multi-purpose sea- and ocean-going ship intended to engage surface and sub-surface targets

MOSCOW/KALININGRAD, June 24 (RIA Novosti)

Russia's Yaroslav Mudry frigate will join the FRUKUS international naval drills that will kick off in the Baltic Sea on Sunday, a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman said.

The annual naval drills, which traditionally involve France, Russia, Britain and the United States, practice interoperability for future joint operations.

Britain’s York destroyer, the United States’ USS Normandy (CG-60) guided-missile cruiser and France’s destroyer De Grasse will take part in the FRUKUS 2012 exercises.

The drills will consist of several stages including joint maneuvering, repelling airstrikes and attacks of fast-speed boats, artillery practice and ship rescue exercises.

Previously called RUKUS, the exercises were launched in 1988 to promote dialogue between the Soviet Union, Britain, and the United States. The name was changed to FRUKUS in 2003, when France formally joined the group.

The Yaroslav Mudry is a Neustrashimy-class multi-purpose sea- and ocean-going ship intended to engage surface and sub-surface targets. It is equipped with powerful air defenses and is capable of rendering artillery support to ground troops.