Russia conducts military exercises using Bal coastal missile systems in Crimea
Russian Black Sea Fleet held exercises using the Bal coastal defense missile system and simulated missile launches from the territory of the Crimea, Russian Defense Ministry reports on its website.
“During the exercises, crews of the missile systems carried out simulated missile launches,” the Ministry stated. The goal of the exercises was to practice detecting surface targets, providing target designation and preparing systems for strikes in different situations.
The Bal complex was put into service in 2008 and can hit targets 120 km with its X-35 missiles and targets 260 km away with its X-35U missiles.
In late December, Russia conducted exercises using S-4500 missiles systems in the Crimea. The S-400 Triumf systems can hit air targets at 400 km and destroy tactical ballistic targets at 60 km.