GETTY President Vladimir Putin made a statement on Wednesday during a meeting of top military officials

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President Vladimir Putin made a statement on Wednesday during a meeting of top military officials, defence industry leaders and economic officials. The Russian leader praised his country’s navy in maintaining national security and helping achieve Moscow’s interests abroad. He said: “I will especially note the efficient and coordinated actions of the crews of our ships and submarines during the military operation in Syria. “The cruise missile attacks and the effective work of the carrier aviation dealt a serious blow to the terrorists, destroying important infrastructure facilities.”

In Syria the Russian navy has helped Syria and its ally Iran battle rebels and jihadists. Mr Putin added: “The accomplishment of these and other complicated and important tasks was largely possible due to the high combat and technical readiness of the navy. "The build-up of the navy's combat potential and the practice of long-distance naval campaigns, exercises and manoeuvres should certainly continue. "This year’s plan includes 102 expeditions of ships and submarines.

GETTY The Russian leader praised his country’s navy in maintaining national security

"At the same time, with the continuing threat of attacks by international terrorists in Syria in the Mediterranean Sea, our ships armed with Kalibr cruise missiles will be on a constant military watch." In 2015 Russia intervened in Syria to help President Bashar Al Assad fend off a 2011 uprising sponsored by the West, Turkey and Gulf Arab states. Russia’s military presence in the Mediterranean has expanded since then. Last July the Russian Black Sea Fleet established a Mediterranean Task Force of 15 ships based out of a leased naval facility near the coastal Syrian city of Tartous. Russia has used it as a platform to launch Kalibr cruise missiles against ISIS.

GETTY Russia’s military presence in the Mediterranean has expanded