Major Russian Navy Drill to Take Place in Sea of Japan

VLADIVOSTOK. May 18. VOSTOK-MEDIA – The heavy nuclear-powered cruiser Pyotr Velikiy and Atlant class guided missile cruiser Moskva, the flagships of Russian Northern and Black Sea fleets, have entered the Pacific and are bound for Vladivostok to take part in a major naval exercise in the Sea of Japan.

Pyotr Velikiy and Moskva have been participating in the drills for several weeks now. The ships have already crossed the Atlantic and Indian oceans, including Suez Canal and Strait of Singapore. In Primorye the ships will be stationed in Fokino, a source in the Pacific Fleet told Vostok-Media. This is the first time since the Soviet era that the largest military ships will be gathered in one place. Together with the flagship of the Russian Pacific Fleet - guided missile cruiser Varyag, and other surface and submarine ships of the Pacific Fleet, the Pyotr Velikiy and Moskva will hold a major military exercise in the Sea of Japan. The drills will include missile-firing and live fire gunnery exercise, repelling air and antisubmarine attacks of simulated enemy, maneuvering, lending assistance to ships in distress, as well as other exercises.

The event will be a massive Russian Navy firepower demonstration. Officials do not rule out that the Pyotr Velikiy, Varyag and Moskva will participate in the 150-Anniversary of Vladivostok. Incidentally, the Russian leaders may also take part in the festive events.