Russia, U.S., Norway to Hold Joint Naval Drills in August

Admiral Chabanenko destroyer

MURMANSK, May 24 (RIA Novosti)

Russia, the United States, and Norway will hold maritime interdiction operations and search and rescue maneuvers during joint naval drills in the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea in August, Russia’s Northern Fleet said.

The timeline for the Northern Eagle-2012 exercises and composition of naval task forces from each country were approved during a joint meeting in Murmansk on Thursday.

The drills will involve Russia’s Admiral Chabanenko destroyer, a U.S. Arleigh Burke class destroyer and the Nordkapp coastguard frigate of the Norwegian Navy, as well as a host of naval aircraft and helicopters from the three navies.

“In line with an agreement reached in Murmansk, the active phase of the Northern Eagle-2012 exercises will include joint air defense drills, sea rescue missions, coordinated maneuvering and communication drills,” Russia's Northern Fleet spokesman Capt. 1st Rank Vadim Serga said.

The Northern Eagle exercises were previously held in the Arctic three times (in 2004, 2006, and 2008).