On Aug. 20 the Russian Defence 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".