OREANDA-NEWS. Naval maneuvers started in Russia. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense.

The department clarified: "In accordance with the plan for the preparation of the military command and control of the forces of the Pacific Fleet for 2021, an operational exercise of diverse fleet forces in the far sea zone is being conducted in the central part of the Pacific Ocean."

They are led by the commander of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Sergei Avakyants.

Participants will work out various tasks, including "commanding groupings away from basing points while protecting and defending ocean communications," as well as interaction between ships and aircraft.

The tactical groups have already covered about four thousand kilometers and deployed their forces at the designated point. The maneuvers involve about 20 surface combat ships, submarines and support vessels.

Among them are the Varyag missile cruiser, the Admiral Panteleev large anti-submarine ship equipped with guided missile weapons, the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate, the Loud, Perfect and Hero of the Russian Federation corvettes Aldar Tsydenzhapov, the Marshal measuring complex ship Krylov "and others.

Also, about 20 aircraft are involved in the exercises, including long-range anti-submarine aircraft Tu-142mz, high-altitude fighter-interceptors MiG-31BM and other aerospace vehicles.