Russian warships from the Black Sea Naval Group, Blackseafor, will conduct activation drills from 11 to 30 August 2010.

The RFS Yamal large amphibious landing ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet will represent the Russian Navy during the Blackseafor activation.

The drills will focus on maintaining stability, peace and cooperation, strengthening mutual understanding, conducting search and rescue operations, and environmental monitoring between the Black Sea countries.

The drills will also include tactical manoeuvring by surface warships, air defence and communication.

The warships deployed in the Black Sea will also visit the ports of Constanta, Varna and Sevastopol.

Blackseafor was established in 2001, and 50 drills were conducted across an area of 1,600km 9-27 April 2010.