The Russian Defense Ministry today confirmed that its navy had fired a supersonic anti-ship missile at a mock target in the Sea of Japan.
Two Moskit cruise missiles were said to have successfully shot down a target which was a fake enemy warship from a distance of about 60 miles (100 km).
The Moskit, or SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a Soviet medium-range supersonic anti-ship cruise missile capable of destroying ships at a range of up to 120 km.
Responding to the move, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said the country would remain vigilant against Moscow's military operations.
In addition, he also confirmed that no damage has been reported after the launch of the missile.
Last week, two nuclear-capable Russian strategic bombers flew over the Sea of Japan for more than seven hours, in what Moscow said was a planned flight.
In the meantime, Hayashi also criticized the Kremlin's plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and demanded Russia stop actions that would further escalate tensions.
