Russian drill might cause flight changes at Israeli airport
Moscow says exercise is meant to improve naval communication, amid fears the Kremlin is seeking to establish stronger presence Mideast as Syrian civil war draws to an end; drill expected to cause delays to and from Ben Gurion Airport, Sde Dov Airport.
Dozens of warships and aircraft are taking part in the drill which will see the Russian army conduct naval and maritime maneuvers in the area.
Moscow issued a statement saying that "The exercise is meant to improve naval communication."
However, critics suspicious of Russia’s intentions say that Moscow is attempting to establish its presence in the Middle East in the wake of Assad's reclaiming the last rebel-held enclave in the war-torn country.
The Airports Authority informed airlines on tuesday that flight routes in the Cyprus area may be changed, which might affect the international flight routes from and to Israel, causing delays in landings and departures.
The exercise is expected to reach its highest point of intensity on Wednesday at 6 am until Thursday at 1 pm and is scheduled to end on Saturday.
According to Russia's navy chief, Adm. Vladimir Korolyov, who is commanding over the exercise, 26 warships are taking part in the drill, along with two submarines and 34 aircraft.
"We announced the exercise long enough in advance to ensure that international law is honored without any violations and to guarantee peace in the region," Korolyov said.
Navy aircraft, long-range transport planes, Tu-160 bombers, Il-38 and Tu-142MK fighter jets capable of hitting submarines and Sukhoi Su-33 and Sukhoi Su-30SM planes are also participating in the exercise.
Russia has deployed dozens of warships across the Mediterranean Sea, including the Russian cruiser Marshal Ustinov. The ships, as well as the two submarines located in the area, are equipped with Caliber Cruise missiles.
The Kremlin says that the drill aims to prepare for scenarios in which Russia may be forced to face with the US-led coalition operating in Syria. However, the military maneuvers will include the use of live missile and artillery fire.
The Caspian Sea flotilla, participating in the drill, is preparing for the maneuver that has been dubbed the "Wall."
According to military sources, the "Wall" is a special system of building ships, tracking and attacking airports.
In addition, as part of the maneuver, the coastal zone can be armed with anti-aircraft weapons in order to increase the ability to fight low-altitude radar missions, including cruise missiles.
In addition, as part of the maneuver, the coastal zone can be armed with anti-aircraft weapons in order to increase the ability to fight low-altitude radar missions, including cruise missiles.
Using the system, the Russians plan to influence the division in and control over the region once the fighting in Syria comes to its end.
The expected drill is not the only one Russia is conducting. Western countries fear that a vast military exercise Moscow is planning to hold in the near future will be used as a preparation to invade Poland, Lithuania or Ukraine.
Despite the fears, which were raised ever since Russia annexed the Crimea in 2014, Moscow has completely denies the accusations.
The Kremlin said last week that the exercise planned to take place in Belarus would consider a completely defensive scenario, while denying accusations it would serve as preparation for invasion.
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In the wake of the Zapad exercise that took place in 2017, Moscow sent 5,500 troops to Belarus that borders with Poland, Lithuania and the Ukraine to join the 7,200 Belarusian soldiers who were supposed to participate in the exercise.
