Major ASW ship Severomorsk of RF Navy's Northern Fleet participates in Russian-Japanese exericse in the Gulf of Aden
On November 10, the Russian-Japanese anti-piracy exercise started in the Gulf of Aden involving navies of the two countries, says press center of RF Defence Ministry.
The Russian side is represented by destroyer Severomorsk, the Northern Fleet, being on distant cruise in the Indian Ocean. The Japanese side is represented by Ikazuchi-class destroyer.
It is the first time as Northern Fleet and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force practise together in the history of the Russian Navy.
According to the scenario, the Russian and Japanese ships will improve joint skills in countering piracy and terrorism.
The exercise kicked off in the designated area of the Gulf of Aden with an episode of meeting ships and exchanging liaison officers using high-speed boats.
Afterwards the crews started joint maneuvering, exchanged information on the situation, identified suspicious ships and vessels, using ship-based helicopters.
During this day, helicopters will also make flights with the element of “deck exchange” will be also practised - when the Russian helicopter lands on the deck of a Japanese destroyer and vice versa.
The side will also train to repel a mock attack at a convoy.
At the final stage of the exercise, Russian and Japanese sailors will conduct short excursions for the sides on their ships.
The ship has been operating in the Indian Ocean since late September.
The long-distance cruise of the major ASW ship Severomorsk started when she left the main basing point –– Severomorsk –– on July 5, 2018. To date, the ship has passed more than 23,000 nautical miles, completed a number of military-diplomatic missions, and visited ports of Algiers, Victoria, Pemba, and Antsiranana.