Russia, the United States and Norway will hold joint naval drills in the Arctic this August, local media reported on Thursday.

The military exercises, code named the Northern Eagle-2012, will take place in the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea, RIA Novosti news agency quoted a Russian naval official as saying.

During a joint meeting in the Russian northwestern city of Murmansk, naval officials from the three countries approved the schedule and formation of the joint operations, which include maritime interdiction and search and rescue maneuvers.

Russian Northern Fleet spokesman Vadim Serga said the officials had reached an agreement that the active phase of the drills will include "joint air defense drills, sea rescue missions, coordinated maneuvering and communication drills."

The drill's first planning meeting was held in Naples in Italy on March, during which the date and venue of the exercises were set. The final planning meeting kicked off on Tuesday in Murmansk. Military officials from the three countries discussed the details and the timeline of the operations.

Northern Eagle exercises have been held in 2004, 2008 and 2008 with Russian and U.S. forces. Norway joins the operations for the first time this year.

It will involve Russia's Admiral Chabanenko destroyer, the U.S. Arleigh Burke class destroyer and Norway's Nordkapp coastguard frigate, according to local media.