Russia’s Pacific Fleet makes a massive show of force after tussling with the West over Moscow’s war on Ukraine. Photo/via REUTERS
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the aim of the war games was to test the ability of the Russian armed forces to respond to aggression.
Along with the missile launches, Shoigu said, the drills would also involve nuclear capable strategic bombers and other combat aircraft in addition to Navy Pacific Fleet aviation.
The Russian military has concentrated the bulk of its troops on the front lines in Ukraine, but also continues to carry out regular drills across Russia to train its troops and demonstrate their readiness.
The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showing warships and submarines sailing to take part in this massive maneuver. As part of the exercise, marine units deployed to amphibious landing craft and coastal defense missile systems moved to firing positions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as quoted CBS Newsdescribed the war games as part of regular training intended to maintain the required level of readiness of the armed forces.
Shoigu noted that the maneuver scenario envisages a response to enemy attempts to land on Sakhalin Island and the southern Kuril Islands.
In February, Moscow said a Russian anti-submarine destroyer was pursuing a US submarine near the Kuril Islands.
