Russia starts large-scale naval exercise in the Pacific

Russian Navy modernized (Image gallery)

VLADIVOSTOK, July 8 (RIA Novosti) - Over 20 combat and auxiliary ships from Russia's Pacific Fleet started on Tuesday a large-scale naval exercise in the Sea of Japan, which includes live firing drills, a fleet spokesman said.

"The exercise is part of the summer combat training program," Captain 1st Rank Roman Martov said. "More than 20 combat and auxiliary ships will participate in about 20 individual and group drills."

The core of the naval task force participating in the exercise consists of the Varyag, a Russian Slava-class missile cruiser dubbed 'the killer of aircraft carriers,' the Bystry, a Sovremenny class destroyer, and a group of missile boats.

According to the exercise scenario, the Russian naval task force and shore-based naval aircraft are tasked with the search and destruction of an 'aggressor force' attempting to establish a beachhead on the Russian coast.

The ships will conduct a series of live firing drills against ground, surface, and air targets.

During the exercise, the Varyag and the Bystry will test-fire new surface-to-air missiles at a target drone.