Russia’s Pacific Fleet has launched a scheduled military exercise in the Far East, the defence ministry announced on Tuesday via its official website.

The drills, running from June 16 to 30, are part of the Navy’s annual training plan and are being led by Admiral Viktor Liina, commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet.

The exercises are taking place in designated naval training zones across the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Sea of Japan.

According to the ministry, participating forces will practise a wide range of combat and support operations, including submarine detection and tracking, as well as air and anti-ship defence of naval convoys.

Coordinated missile strikes against both individual and group maritime targets are also part of the drill.

The exercise further includes evaluations of the fleet’s logistical and technical support capabilities during extended operations far from its main bases.

More than 40 warships, boats, and support vessels are involved, alongside over 30 aircraft and helicopters from the fleet’s naval aviation.

The drills also include over 5,000 military personnel and civilian specialists.

Coastal missile units equipped with Bastion missile systems are also participating.

(Xinhua/NAN)