Russia to have up to 10 warships in Mediterranean

Source: RT.com

MOSCOW -- The Russian Navy plans to build its presence in the Mediterranean Sea, "particularly in the area close to Syrian shores," to up to 10 battleships.

The Moskva missile cruiser, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet (Beta/Xinhua/RIA Novosti)

Admiral of the Fleet Viktor Chirkov made the announcement and was quoted by Russia Today as saying that "the task is crystal clear: to avoid a slightest threat to the security of the state," and adding:
"This is a general practice of all fleets around the world, to be there when a tension level increases. They are all going to act on operational command plan of the offshore maritime zone. Russia will be building up its Mediterranean fleet until it is deemed sufficient to perform the task set."

Russia began military build-up in the Mediterranean in 2012 and established a constant presence in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, Russia Today reported, and explained that on May 1, 2013 all Russian battleships operating in the area were assigned to a single task force under special offshore maritime zone operation command.