Russia has unleashed a major Pacific Fleet missile exercise near the disputed Kuril Islands, adding fresh pressure on Japan after Vladimir Putin's controversial visit to the archipelago. The Varyag cruiser, Omsk nuclear submarine and Bastion coastal system simultaneously targeted simulated enemy warships positioned more than 300 kilometres away. Pacific Fleet aircraft also supplied targeting data as Moscow closed the firing zone to civilian ships and aircraft. Russia calls the drills scheduled combat training, but their timing comes amid renewed tensions with Tokyo. Is Putin sending Japan a warning through an extraordinary display of Pacific firepower?
E-Paper
