Russian Black Sea Fleet Conducts Exercises at Firing Ranges

Russian Black Sea Fleet warships are conducting exercises at firing ranges with the support of naval aviation, according to Cpt. 2nd Rank Nikolai Voskresensky.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russian Black Sea Fleet warships are conducting exercises at firing ranges with the support of naval aviation, acting head of the Information support department of the Black Sea Fleet said Tuesday.

"Today, in accordance with the plan of military drills at firing ranges of the Black Sea Fleet, the drills of missile, anti-submarine and mine-sweeping ships are being carried out," Cpt. 2nd Rank Nikolai Voskresensky told journalists.

He added that the Samum hoverborne guided missile corvette and four missile boats were among the ships taking part in the tactical exercises. According to the scenario of the drills, the warships will engage in mock naval combat, destroy a floating mine and practice artillery fire on sea and air targets.

Overall, more than ten combat and auxiliary ships took part in the drills, including two anti-submarine ships and two minesweepers, according to Voskresensky.

Meanwhile, during separate drills, Russia's Pacific Fleet successfully fired its first rocket from the Bal (Sennight) coastal anti-ship missile system in the country's Far East.

More than 400 servicemen and 20 pieces of hardware and equipment were involved in the exercises, which included a 200-kilometer (124-mile) march to an unequipped position where the missile was launched at marine targets, according to the Eastern Military District's press service.

The Russian Defense Ministry is planning to stage up to 4,000 drills this year.