MOSCOW, February 9 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian...

Admiral Vinogradov, an Udaloy class destroyer, replaced the Baltic Fleet's Neustrashimy frigate in the Gulf of Aden in January, and is now escorting civilian vessels through areas where Somali pirates are active.

"The Russian destroyer and the Indian missile frigate have accomplished a number of tasks escorting commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden in areas threatened by pirate attacks," Capt. 1st Rank Igor Dygalo said, adding that the vessels also conducted communications drills and joint maneuvering.

Dygalo said Russian combat ships could participate in long-term joint anti-piracy operations with warships from other countries on patrol off the lawless East African state.

Around 20 warships from the navies of at least 10 countries, including Russia, are involved in anti-piracy operations off Somalia. According to the UN, Somali pirates carried out at least 120 attacks on ships in 2008, resulting in ransoms of around $150 million.