The final stage of a sudden inspection of Russia's Pacific Fleet, during which ships will work out missile strikes with electronic launches, will begin on April 18, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Monday.
"Starting April 18, we will begin the final stage of the inspection, during which naval strike groups, together with coastal missile divisions, will work out the tasks of delivering missile strikes with electronic launches," Shoigu said at the meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
The forces and troops participating in the inspection are put on "full combat readiness," the minister said, adding that with the established restrictions, they began to carry out combat training tasks, control firing and tactical exercises.
"Over 25,000 military personnel, 167 warships and support vessels, including 12 submarines, 89 aircraft and helicopters, have been involved in it," Shoigu said.
The fleet forces will also work out the search for and destruction of enemy submarines and naval groupings, and conduct practical artillery firing at air and sea targets, the minister added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his turn, noted that the first stage of the surprise inspection of Russia's Pacific Fleet was held at a very high level.
"I want to express my gratitude to everyone who organized this work," Putin said at the meeting.