PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY. Oct 8 (Interfax) - Naval infantry brigades from the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet have completed this year's biggest tactical opposing-force exercise in the Kamchatka region, which involved over 4,000 troops, the Eastern Military District's Pacific Fleet spokesperson said.
"The Primorye and Kamchatka naval infantry brigades, Pacific Fleet aircraft and ships held a tactical opposing-force exercise at brigade level in Kamchatka in accordance with the combat training plan. The exercise was held at two training ranges of the peninsula from September 30," the statement reads.
At various stages, the exercise involved over 4,000 troops and over 500 units of equipment, 15 planes and helicopters, as well as warships and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the spokesperson said.
Marines from northeast Russia prevented a "hostile" amphibious landing on the Pacific shore, while Primorye sailors practiced airdrops from the An-26 aircraft, and seizure and retention of a mock enemy airfield.
A three-stage live-fire exercise was successfully held. To suppress inshore and coastal targets, the troops used Grad multiple rocket launchers, T-80BV battle tanks, and the Gvozdika and Nona self-propelled howitzers.
The exercise made active use of naval aviation. The MiG-31 fighters practiced piloting at low and medium altitudes over the areas of amphibious and paratrooper landing.
"For the first time, the practical task-execution during the Kamchatka exercise involved the use of Kamov Ka-29 transport helicopters which - also for the first time in this region - fired unguided air rockets against Pacific coastal targets. The troops' activities were monitored by the Orlan 10 and Forpost UAVs," the statement reads.
The exercise was coordinated by ground command-and-control centers and the Marshal Krylov tracking ship.
The marines are now returning to their bases.