The Slava-class missile cruiser ‘Marshal Ustinov’ of the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet has arrived at one of the world’s southernmost ports, South Africa’s Cape Town on 24th November, with the accompany of medium sea tanker Vyazma and the rescue tug SB-406. The South African Navy greeted the task force warmly with fireworks.
“For us, the call by a Russian missile cruiser and escort vessels at Cape Town is great honor,” Spokesman for the South African Navy.
The Russian task force, consisting of missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov, medium sea tanker Vyazma and the rescue tug SB-406, will take part in the first joint drills with the navies of South Africa and China. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China has dispatched the Type 054A frigate Weifang for the joint exercise while the South African Navy will be represented by the Valour class frigate Amatola. The MOSI maneuvers, the first ever involving the three nations, are scheduled to kick off on Monday (25th November) and last until 30 November. The crews will practice joint operations’ planning and steps in the sea off Cape of Good Hope, Africa’s southwesternmost point.
