The Russian Ministry of Defence has released footage of the Kilo-class submarine ‘Volkhov’ firing a cruise missile during exercises in the Sea of Japan. The Russian Navy drill comes amid rising tension between Russia and NATO over Ukraine.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced in a statement: “Today, the Pacific Fleet’s latest diesel-electric submarine Volkhov launched a Kalibr cruise missile from the submerged position in the Sea of Japan against a ground target.
“The missile struck the coastal target at the Syurkum tactical ground in the Khabarovsk Region at the designated time.
“The missile was launched to a distance of over 1,000 km.”
“Ships and vessels of the Pacific Fleet, aircraft and drones of the Pacific Fleet’s naval aviation provided support for the missile firing,” the statement adds.
The footage shows the control room of the submarine as the crew prepares to launch the missile.
A Russian submariner can be heard issuing orders over the intercom: “Battle Alert! Missile Attack!”
Moments later the cruise missile can be seen breaking through the surface of the sea having been launched from a submerged position.
The missile is then shown striking a land-based target.
The US President said such an invasion would be met by a “severe and coordinated response, economic response as discussed in details with our allies as laid out very clearly with president Putin.”
He added: “But there is no doubt, let there be no doubt at all, that if Putin makes this choice, Russia will pay a heavy price.”
“Russia has a long history of using measures other than overt military action to carry out aggression,” Mr Biden warned.
“Paramilitary tactics, so-called gray zone attacks and action by Russian soldiers not wearing Russian uniforms.”