By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Vladivostok (Russia): The Russian Pacific Fleet Wednesday launched a series of anti-submarine warfare drills in the Sea of Japan, an official said.
“Two task forces are taking part in the drills in line with a regular training programme,” Captain Roman Martov said. The exercises involve a number of search-and-destroy missions, simulated torpedo attacks and live-fire drills with onboard artillery and air defence systems.
Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov destroyers, which carried out patrol missions in the Gulf of Aden as part of international efforts to fight piracy, are taking part in the drills.
Martov said the exercises will culminate with a “battle” between the destroyers and submarines, when the surface ships attempt to thwart “a surprise attack from the deep”.
Russia’s Pacific Fleet has a missile cruiser, five destroyers and a large number of submarines in service. Its anti-submarine warfare aircraft include Tu-142 Bear F and Il-38 May planes, and Ka-27 Helix D helicopters.