DHAKA: Russia’s navy said on Friday fighter jets had started training exercises over the Mediterranean Sea, an announcement that is likely to raise tensions in the stand-off with Ukraine over the future of Crimea.

Navy spokesman Vadim Serga told Interfax news agency sorties had begun from the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, which docked last month in Cyprus, and training included tactics for engaging aerial targets and other battle techniques.

The aircraft involved in the training included Sukhoi SU-33 air defence fighters and Kamov Ka-27 anti-submarine helicopters.

The flights would continue if the weather was favourable, Serga said, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1928 HRS, MAR 14, 2014