Russian warships and fighter jets launched hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles during drills in the eastern Mediterranean.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the drills, which began on December 1, will involve more than 1,000 sailors and pilots, 10 warships and support vessels, 24 aircraft and a coastal missile battery. Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy, will personally oversee the exercises.
"Some combat exercises involved the use of new types of high-precision weapons adopted by the Russian Navy and Air Force," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
According to RT, during the December 3 exercise, the missile frigates Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko fired Zircon hypersonic missiles. The diesel-electric submarine Novorossiysk also launched a Kalibr cruise missile at a target at sea.
The exercise concluded with test launches of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles from MiG-31 fighters and launches of Onyx cruise missiles from a Bastion coastal battery.
The Russian Defense Ministry said all designated targets were hit.
During the three-day exercise, Russian forces also practiced artillery firing, torpedo launching, bombing and anti-submarine warfare.
Moscow stressed that the exercises are carried out in compliance with the norms of international law, as well as agreements between Russia and other countries on preventing incidents at sea and in the air.
