On Aug. 20 the Russian Defense Ministry said the Pacific Fleet in a planned exercise struck targets off the Southern Kurils (Japan’s Northern Territories). Targets simulated enemy ships at ranges beyond 300 km. Guided‑missile cruiser Varyag launched

2026-08-20

On Aug. 20 the Russian Defense Ministry said the Pacific Fleet in a planned exercise struck targets off the Southern Kurils (Japan’s Northern Territories). Targets simulated enemy ships at ranges beyond 300 km. Guided‑missile cruiser Varyag launched two Vulkan anti-ship missiles and nuclear-powered submarine Omsk fired Granit cruise missiles. The Bastion coastal-defence system on the Kurils also struck with missiles the ministry identified as "Gaomanao".