Russian missile systems in Crimea put on alert
Soldiers from the coastal missile and artillery brigade of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet have been put on alert in order to take part in tactical exercises, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on October 15.
Divisions of Bastion and Bal mobile coastal anti-ship systems and Utes coastal missile systems were given practical tasks to complete as part of the combat training plan.
“During the drills, missile division crews will carry out a set of combat training tasks, including deploying and using the systems, preparation to fire, changing firing positions and marching, as well as meeting equipment standards and camouflaging firing positions,” the report states.
The drills will continue until the end of the week.
The day before, divisions of the Black Sea Fleet marines landed on stretches of the coast from large Orsk and Azov landing ships, under the cover of Southern Military District army aircraft.
After the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia has been conducting regular military exercises on the peninsula. The General Staff of Ukraine considers such actions illegal.