Russia to continue submarine patrols

A Russian navy official said strategic nuclear submarines will resume routine patrols in international waters around the world in June. "On June 1 or a bit later we will resume constant patrolling of the world's oceans by strategic nuclear submarines," Russian navy Commander Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said Friday. The number of annual routine patrols made by Russian submarines has dropped significantly from more than 230 in 1984 to less than 10 today, RIA Novosti reported. The Russian navy has suspended its plan to dispose of its 12 nuclear-powered strategic submarines currently in service until 2020, at which time eight new Borey-class strategic submarines will be built.