Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday observed the test-launch of nuclear-capable Kinzhal and Kalibr missiles in the Russian-annexed Crimea region.

Russia has been keen to demonstrate its defense of Crimea, a Black Sea peninsula geographically connected to mainland Ukraine since the 2014 annexation evoked broad international outcry.

Russian state news agency TASS reported that two MiG-31K warplanes practiced target-firing the Kinzhal ballistic missile.

TASS also reported that several naval vessels including the Admiral Grigorovich frigate and the Kolpino submarine practiced launching the Kalibr cruise missile.

 

NAN