KURIL ISLANDS, Russia: Russia held Kuril Islands missile drills on August 20 and fired several weapons at simulated enemy ships, the Pacific Fleet said.
Surface ships, a nuclear submarine and a coastal missile unit took part in the exercise. The fleet placed the simulated targets more than 300 kilometres from the firing positions.
The cruiser Varyag fired two Vulkan anti-ship missiles. The nuclear-powered submarine Omsk launched Granit cruise missiles.
A Bastion coastal unit also fired an Oniks anti-ship missile from one of the islands. Pacific Fleet aircraft provided targeting data during the exercise. The fleet said its missiles hit all assigned targets.
Officials closed the firing zone to civilian ships and aircraft before the drills began. The Pacific Fleet described the exercise as scheduled combat training.
Read: Putin Kuril Islands Visit Triggers Strong Japan Protest
The drills came as Russia and Japan faced new tension over the southern Kuril Islands. Russia controls the islands, while Japan claims them as its Northern Territories.
Japan protested President Vladimir Putin of Russia’s August 13 visit to Iturup. The dispute dates back to the end of World War II. It has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty.
